Key facts
- Swiss voters will decide in a September 27 referendum on a proposal for a more restrictive form of neutrality.
- The proposal would prevent Switzerland from imposing economic sanctions or cooperating with NATO.
- The Swiss government and most political parties oppose the measure, arguing it would harm national security.
- Supporters of the proposal, including the right-wing Swiss People's Party, argue current neutrality is being eroded.
- Opinion polls suggest the proposal will be rejected by voters.
Swiss voters are set to decide in a referendum on September 27 whether to adopt a more restrictive interpretation of the country's long-standing neutrality. The proposal, championed by the right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP), would constitutionally mandate that Switzerland cannot join or cooperate with any military or defense alliance, unless attacked, and would prohibit joining sanctions unless approved by the United Nations.
Supporters, including veteran politician Christoph Blocher, argue that Switzerland's neutrality has been eroded by its decision to impose sanctions on Russia following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. They fear that without a stricter definition, Switzerland could be seen as a party to conflicts and become isolated from its European neighbors. Russia's foreign ministry has also weighed in, with spokeswoman Maria Zakharova criticizing Switzerland's alignment with EU sanctions.
However, the Swiss government and most other political parties oppose the initiative. Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis stated that the proposal would harm national security, prevent essential training with NATO, and limit Switzerland to mere verbal condemnations. Government legal experts maintain that the current definition of neutrality, guided by the 1907 Hague Convention, is well-understood and successful, and that implementing the proposed measures would not enhance neutrality. Political scientist Laurent Goetschel suggested that while neutrality is important, its application should remain at the government's discretion rather than being fixed in the constitution.
Opinion polls currently indicate that voters will reject the proposal, with one recent survey showing 62% against and 36% in favor. However, campaigners for change are outspending supporters of the status quo, raising concerns that the gap could narrow before the vote.