Swiss Government Rejects Rigid Definition of Neutrality Ahead of September 27 Referendum

Switzerland’s long-standing neutrality dates to the end of the Napoleonic Wars. A popular initiative seeks to embed a stricter, “perpetual and armed” neutrality in the federal constitution, prohibiting any military alliances, participation in foreign wars, and sanctions unless mandated by the United Nations. Campaigners argue that recent sanctions on Russia and closer security cooperation with NATO have stretched the traditional interpretation.

Reuters

• More than 100,000 signatures were collected to trigger the referendum.

Reuters

• A Tamedia poll conducted in June showed 34 % of respondents supporting the initiative and 54 % opposing it.

Reuters

• The proposal is backed by the right-wing Swiss People’s Party (SVP).

Reuters

He emphasized that Switzerland’s neutrality is already internationally recognised and that the country is not a member of any military or defence alliance. Cassis warned that the initiative would “reduce Switzerland’s room to manoeuvre,” particularly by limiting pre-emptive security cooperation with foreign partners. He added that waiting for a crisis before cooperating would be “too late.”

Reuters

• “The initiative considerably restricts security policy cooperation,” — Ignazio Cassis, foreign minister

Reuters

The government argues that the existing flexible practice allows Switzerland to cooperate on defence matters when its security is threatened and to employ sanctions as a tool against violations of international law. By rejecting the stricter definition, officials aim to preserve these options ahead of the scheduled September 27 vote, which will determine whether the constitutional amendment proceeds.

SWI - Swissinfo.ch