Swiss Voters Expected to Shun Stricter Neutrality
Polls show more than 60% of voters plan to reject the measure, which would bar closer NATO ties and limit sanctions to United Nations cases.
- On Sunday, the Swiss will vote on a proposal to constitutionally enshrine 'armed and perpetual' neutrality, which would restrict military alliances and prohibit imposing sanctions unless called for by the United Nations.
- Proponents, including the Swiss People's Party and Pro Switzerland, argue the country has lost its way, citing inconsistent stances on Russia and Israel as evidence for restoring strict neutrality.
- The government and most political parties urge voters to reject the initiative, arguing the proposal is too dogmatic and would limit Switzerland's diplomatic maneuverability amid geopolitical tensions.
- Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis insisted that 'neutrality does not mean indifference,' while Socialist parliamentarian Samuel Bendahan warned Russian President Vladimir Putin would welcome the initiative's passage.
- Final surveys published last week suggest well above 60 percent of voters plan to reject the initiative, aligning with government guidance and indicating likely defeat of the proposal.
23 Articles
23 Articles
In a referendum on Sunday, September 27, Swiss citizens will decide whether they want a more restrictive definition of their country's neutrality, which would mean, among other things, that it could not impose international sanctions on warring parties.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine and Switzerland's adoption of EU sanctions against Moscow have reignited the debate over the country's neutrality. The post Switzerland: Neutrality, pillar of Swiss identity, put to vote appeared first on in.gr.
The passage of the neutrality initiative would benefit Russia.
Switzerland votes on Sunday on a measure that seeks to define and strengthen the country's traditional neutrality in the constitution, in a debate that has highlighted deep divisions over what Swiss neutrality should mean in a world of heightened geopolitical tensions. Recent polls suggest that a majority of voters are expected to reject the measure. Two polls published last week showed that more than 60 percent of citizens were inclined to foll…
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