Swiss voters will decide on Sunday whether to adopt a stricter neutrality policy that would stop the country from imposing economic sanctions or collaborating with NATO. A referendum will determine if this defined neutrality should be added to the constitution. Swiss neutrality has been recognized since 1815, but its implementation lacks clear guidelines.
The Swiss People’s Party (SVP) argues that Switzerland’s traditional neutrality has been compromised after it imposed sanctions on Russia following the Ukraine invasion. The campaign features posters promoting a “No war, yes to neutrality” message. Despite these efforts, polls indicate that 68% of voters oppose the proposal, with only 31% in favor.
Experts like Professor Fabio Wasserfallen note that while Swiss voters appreciate their neutrality, they support the government’s current approach and the sanctions on Russia. The proposal aims to ensure that Switzerland would only join military alliances if attacked and that sanctions would require UN approval. Most political parties and the Swiss government oppose this change, warning it could harm national security and hinder military training with NATO.
With information from Reuters
