Switzerland holds referendum on enshrining stricter neutrality in constitution
Swiss voters are casting ballots on a proposal to permanently write strict neutrality rules into the constitution. Polls suggest most voters intend to reject the initiative, following the government's recommendation.
Switzerland is holding a referendum on a citizens' initiative that seeks to firmly define the country's traditional neutrality within its constitution. The proposal has exposed deep disagreement over what neutrality actually means in practice.
While early forecasts pointed to a close contest between supporters and opponents, two polls published in the past week show more than 60% of Swiss voters are now inclined to follow the government's advice and vote against the initiative.
Fallout from the war in Ukraine
Switzerland has long maintained a policy of armed neutrality, but Russia's invasion of Ukraine has raised questions about whether the country can continue standing apart from foreign conflicts. The initiative was pushed forward by the group "Pro Switzerland," which objects to Bern's decision to back European Union sanctions against Russia. The organization gathered enough signatures to force the referendum.
A former diplomat argued that in recent years the country has drifted from its traditional path by taking an overly firm stance against Russia while maintaining a notably weak position toward Israel, describing the vote as a chance to restore trust in Swiss neutrality. Some opponents have labeled the initiative pro-Russian, and Moscow has openly voiced support for its backers.
What would change if the initiative passes
The initiative's backers want the constitution to guarantee that Swiss neutrality is "armed and perpetual." Switzerland has observed neutrality since 1516, and it has been internationally recognized since 1815. If approved, the measure would bar Switzerland from forging closer ties with NATO or joining any alliance, except if the country itself came under attack. It would also prevent Switzerland from imposing sanctions unless called for by the United Nations.
Both parliament and the government rejected the initiative, arguing it is too rigid and would limit the country's room to maneuver amid rising geopolitical tension. Every major party opposes the proposal except the national-conservative Swiss People's Party.
On the same day, the Swiss are also voting on a separate initiative to raise domestic food self-sufficiency from the current 42% to 70%. Polls suggest that proposal is also headed for rejection.
