
Swiss voters cast ballots Sunday on a right-wing proposal to enshrine a stricter definition of neutrality in the constitution, a move that would bar the country from adopting sanctions not approved by the United Nations and prohibit cooperation with military alliances unless Switzerland is directly attacked.
The referendum, backed by the Swiss People’s Party and the “Pro Schweiz” initiative, seeks to define neutrality as “perpetual and armed,” preventing Switzerland from joining or collaborating with alliances like NATO. The proposal follows criticism of the government’s decision to adopt EU sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, which backers argue violated Swiss neutrality.
Opponents, including the federal government and most major parties except the SVP, warn the measure would isolate Switzerland from its European neighbors. Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis said the current flexible approach has served the country well, while former SVP leader Christoph Blocher argued a rigid definition is necessary to preserve credibility. Polls ahead of the vote suggested the initiative would likely be rejected .
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