Swiss voters reject tighter neutrality rules by 70.2 percent
Swiss voters rejected a proposal to put stricter neutrality rules in the constitution, with 70.2 percent voting no and no canton approving it. The measure would have restricted sanctions against countries at war without UN approval and limited cooperation with military alliances. Its defeat leaves the current room for government decisions on sanctions and security partnerships intact; it does not itself change Swiss neutrality.
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A proposal defeated in every canton
Swiss voters rejected the proposed constitutional definition of neutrality on 27 September. SWI swissinfo.ch reported that 70.2 percent voted against it and that the initiative failed in all 26 cantons; the BBC independently reported an overwhelming rejection of more than 70 percent. This is the result that was still pending when voters went to the polls earlier in the day. The proposal was brought by Pro Schweiz and supported by the Swiss People's Party, while the federal government and other major parties opposed it. The count therefore closed a constitutional initiative, rather than recording a change in Switzerland's basic status as a neutral country.[1], [2]
The rejected text would have limited sanctions
The initiative would have made neutrality perpetual and armed under the constitution. It would generally have blocked sanctions against a state fighting a war unless the UN Security Council approved them, and narrowed cooperation with military alliances. Both reports identify the effect on sanctions against Russia and relations with NATO as central to the campaign. Switzerland joined many European Union sanctions after Russia's invasion of Ukraine while remaining outside NATO. Those existing choices made the proposed constitutional restraint consequential: it would have reduced the authorities' ability to decide how to respond to a future war or security threat. The rejection leaves those policy choices with Switzerland's existing institutions.[1], [2]
Government discretion survives the vote
Supporters said a fixed rule would protect the credibility of Swiss neutrality and mediation. Opponents, including the government, argued that it would make it harder to respond to threats without joining a military alliance. The result does not compel Bern to impose any particular sanction or deepen NATO cooperation; it prevents this initiative from constitutionally barring those options. Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis maintained during the campaign that Switzerland would remain neutral, while the BBC described his defence of flexibility in applying that principle. SWI swissinfo.ch also reported a separate November vote on easing weapons export rules. That future ballot was outside the September initiative and its outcome cannot be inferred from this rejection.[1], [2]
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