Switzerland has voted against a proposal aimed at tightening the country’s long-standing policy of neutrality, with 70 per cent of voters rejecting the measure in a nationwide referendum on Sunday.The proposal was backed by the right-wing Swiss People’s Party, whose supporters argued that Switzerland had moved too close to the European Union and Nato, particularly because of its response to Russia’s war in Ukraine.The measure was rejected by majorities in all 26 Swiss regions, according to final results released by the Swiss government.
What the proposal sought to change
The initiative would have restricted Switzerland from joining sanctions against other countries unless those measures had been imposed by the United Nations.That would have significantly affected Switzerland’s ability to impose sanctions independently. Russia, one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, has veto power over decisions by the council.The proposal also sought to limit Switzerland’s cooperation with military alliances. Switzerland is not a member of NATO, but it has worked with the alliance for around three decades.Under the proposed rules, cooperation with a military alliance would generally have been prohibited unless Switzerland itself faced a threat.
Debate over Switzerland’s neutrality
Supporters said the government had moved “dangerously close” to the EU and Nato and argued that this could weaken Switzerland’s security and ability to act independently.The proposal followed Switzerland’s decision to adopt EU sanctions against Russia after its invasion of Ukraine.Swiss neutrality has been part of the country’s constitutional framework since the 19th century, but there has been a long-running debate over what neutrality should mean in a changing security environment.Opponents of the proposal argued that the federal government already had enough flexibility to protect Switzerland’s interests and respond to security threats.
Voters divided over security
Security concerns featured prominently on both sides of the referendum. Ruth Bolomey, a 65-year-old retiree originally from Hawaii, said she voted for the initiative.“I believe we need neutrality and should keep neutrality for security reasons — for the people.”New York native Jihad Azkoul, 78, voted against the proposal. He said his decision was influenced by concerns over how Switzerland would respond if Russia attacked.“the question of what happens if Russia attacks us — would we be, would we get protection from our neighbors?”The referendum was part of Switzerland’s latest round of votes on national and local issues. The country’s system of direct democracy allows citizens to vote several times a year on proposed changes to laws and government policy.
