Swiss government rejects rigid interpretation of neutrality ahead of referendum
The government says the proposal would limit defense cooperation and weaken sanctions, which it calls necessary tools for protecting Swiss interests.
- The Swiss government rejected a proposed constitutional initiative on Tuesday that would enforce a rigid interpretation of the country's neutrality, arguing the measure restricts essential security cooperation.
- Campaigners from Pro Suisse and the Swiss People Party gathered more than 100,000 signatures to force the vote, seeking to define neutrality as "perpetual and armed" amid claims current practice stretches tradition through Russia sanctions and NATO ties.
- Federal Councillor Cassis warned the proposal undermines security readiness, stating "Anyone who waits until the crisis is already here before they are willing to cooperate is too late," emphasizing advance coordination is essential.
- Voters will decide the proposal's fate in a referendum next month, though a Tamedia poll showed only 34% in favor compared to 54% against, indicating an uphill battle for backers.
- If approved, the amendment would prohibit Switzerland from joining military alliances or imposing sanctions except those mandated by the United Nations, forcing the nation to choose between openness and isolationism.
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14 Articles
At the end of September, the population voted on the neutrality initiative. On Tuesday, the Foreign Minister explained why the Federal Council rejected the proposal.
Swiss Neutrality Debate: The Future on the Ballot
The Swiss government rejects a proposal to enshrine strict neutrality in the constitution, a measure advocated by campaigners ahead of a referendum. The initiative, which would ban military alliances and sanctions except those by the UN, faces opposition from the government and shows mixed public support.
Swiss government rejects rigid interpretation of neutrality ahead of referendum
The Swiss government on Tuesday rejected a rigid interpretation of the country's neutrality which campaigners want to enshrine in the constitution if they win a referendum next month.
Swiss government rejects stricter definition of neutrality
The Swiss government believes that current practice has proved its worth when it comes to neutrality. It therefore rejects the initiative on neutrality, which is to be put to a nationwide vote on September 27.
Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis will present the arguments of the Federal Council and Parliament against the neutrality initiative to the media in Bern this morning.
Switzerland will vote on the neutrality initiative on September 27. Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will provide an update on Tuesday regarding the Federal Council's opposition to the initiative.
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