The Swiss rejected by vote the nationalist right’s initiative for stricter neutrality

The Swiss rejected by referendum, with 71% of the vote, the popular initiative aimed at strengthening the country’s neutrality and limiting economic sanctions against other states. The proposal, backed by the nationalist right, would have amended the Constitution and excluded participation in any military alliance, as well as the reimposition of economic sanctions against a third country, except those imposed by the United Nations.

The result maintains the current flexible interpretation of Swiss neutrality. Laurence Fehlmann Rielle, a socialist parliamentarian, told public broadcaster RTS that the vote shows a commitment to a policy that allows Switzerland to adopt sanctions and position itself in relation to international developments.

Neutrality has been enshrined in the Federal Constitution since 1848, and Switzerland has traditionally refrained from participating in wars between third states. In recent decades, the country has cooperated with NATO without becoming a member and has supported sanctions against Russia, which has reignited debate over the limits of neutrality and relations with the European Union and NATO.

The initiative was launched by the sovereignist organization Pro Suisse and supported by the Swiss People’s Party, the main right-wing political force in Switzerland. Its supporters called for strict neutrality, while the government and parties favoring a flexible approach argued that this does not entail ignoring violations of international law.