As anticipated, the Swiss rejected on Sunday through a vote, an initiative promoted by the nationalist right, labeled as pro-Russian by opponents, which aimed to strengthen the country’s neutrality, writes Agerpres, citing AFP.
This initiative aimed to enshrine in the Constitution a policy of consolidated neutrality and to exclude any alliance with a military organization and any resumption of economic sanctions against third countries, except those decided by the UN.
The proposal was overwhelmingly rejected, with 71% of the votes against, according to an initial projection by the gsf.bern polling institute, published 30 minutes after the closing of the last polling stations.
Socialist deputy: We remain neutral, but we can adhere to anti-Russia sanctions
\”The result shows that we remain committed to this policy of neutrality, which allows Switzerland to resume sanctions and position itself in the world,\” commented Laurence Fehlmann Rielle, a socialist member of parliament, on Swiss public television RTS.
Rooted in Switzerland’s centuries-old history, the country’s neutrality is inscribed in the Federal Constitution since 1848. Based on this provision, the nation does not involve itself in wars between states.
Nevertheless, Switzerland has aligned itself with the European Union’s sanctions against Moscow, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Also, the country had its first term as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 2023 and 2024. These aspects have placed the issue of Swiss neutrality at the center of political and media debates.
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