Swiss voters likely to reject neutrality and food security proposals, poll finds

Key facts

• A poll indicates Swiss voters are likely to reject proposals to redefine the country's neutrality and enhance food security.
• The neutrality initiative, supported by the Swiss People's Party, seeks to constitutionally define neutrality as perpetual and armed, restricting cooperation with military alliances and participation in sanctions.
• Sixty-two percent of respondents in a survey opposed the neutrality proposal, while 31% supported the food security initiative.
• The government opposes the neutrality proposal, with the center-right FDP party calling it harmful and beneficial to aggressors like Russia.

Swiss voters are likely to reject proposals to tighten the definition of the country's neutrality and to increase domestic food production, according to a poll published on Wednesday. The survey, conducted for newspapers 20 Minuten and Tamedia, found that nearly two-thirds of respondents opposed the neutrality initiative, which is backed by the right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP).

Sixty-two percent of the 13,154 individuals questioned were against the proposal, which aims to enshrine a stricter definition of neutrality into the constitution. Supporters want neutrality to be defined as "perpetual and armed," prohibiting cooperation with military or defense alliances unless attacked, and barring participation in third-country wars and sanctions, with exceptions for UN sanctions. The Swiss government opposes the initiative.

The center-right FDP party stated its opposition, arguing that the proposal would benefit aggressive nations like Russia and hinder Switzerland's ability to uphold international law. Co-president Benjamin Muehlemann commented that prohibiting support for international efforts against violations of international law would strengthen aggressors.

A second proposal concerning food security, which aims to boost domestic production, encourage plant-based consumption, and protect natural resources, also appears set for rejection. The poll indicated 31% support for this initiative, with 65% against it.