Switzerland: Referendum to decide on stricter neutrality

Voters in Switzerland on Sunday take part in a referendum to decide whether the longstanding policy of neutrality needs a stricter approach.

Although Swiss ‌neutrality has ⁠been recognized since the end of the Napoleonic wars in 1815 and part of the country's constitution since 1848, exactly how the government implements it is not clearly specified.

The initiative was brought forward by the Pro Schweiz association, a right-wing organization with links to the right-wing populist Swiss People's Party. They argue that the Swiss government has moved too close to the European Union and NATO since Russia's war in Ukraine.

What is the Pro Schweiz Association seeking to achieve

The group wants:

• Swiss neutrality to be applied "permanently and without exception"
• Switzerland to maintain an army capable of defense
• Switzerland not to get involved in conflicts between third parties
• Switzerland not to join a defense alliance unless attacked
• UN approval of sanctions before Switzerland joins them

Swiss sentiment on neutrality

According to a poll by the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) earlier this month,  the move toward a stricter interpretation of Swiss neutrality does not have the traction needed to pass a referendum. Some 63% of respondents said they intend to vote against the initiative, while 34% plan on backing it.

Nearly all major political parties reject the initiative, with the exception of the hard-right Swiss People's Party (SVP).

"Our goal is to foster peace, diplomacy and dialogue," SVP vice president Celine Amaudruz said during a televised debate. "To achieve that, we must maintain credibility through perpetual armed neutrality."

Swiss foreign minister: Neutrality needs 'degree of flexibility'

Opponents of the initiative argue that in the modern world a country cannot hide behind neutrality and treat perpetrators and victims equally.

"Neutrality has always been applied with a degree of flexibility," Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis insisted during a recent televised debate.

In-person voting will begin at 10:00 am (0800 GMT) and polling stations close at noon. The result should become clear around an hour later. 

Another referendum on food security is also taking place with that initiative calling for the Swiss population to have access to enough high-quality and affordable food at all times. The food initiative seeks to have Switzerland produce significantly more of its own food.

Edited by: Sean Sinico

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