OMM Redaksiyası
Swiss voters are casting ballots on Sept. 27 in a referendum on whether the country’s longstanding policy of neutrality should be enshrined more strictly in the Constitution.
The initiative, backed by the right-wing Swiss People’s Party (SVP), seeks to define neutrality more precisely. If approved, Switzerland would be required to remain permanently neutral and would be barred from joining or cooperating with military alliances such as NATO unless the country were attacked or faced an imminent threat of attack.
What restrictions does the proposal envisage?
Under the draft, Switzerland would be unable to impose sanctions on countries engaged in war. Exceptions would apply only to measures imposed under United Nations decisions or designed to prevent sanctions evasion.
Supporters of the initiative say clearer constitutional rules would preserve Switzerland’s traditional role as a neutral mediator and prevent the policy from changing depending on political circumstances.
Russia sanctions at center of dispute
The debate has intensified since Switzerland joined most of the sanctions imposed by the European Union after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Swiss government believes the measures are compatible with its neutrality policy and allow the country to respond to violations of international law.
Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis has stressed the importance of flexibility in the neutrality policy: “Switzerland has been neutral and will remain neutral.” The Federal Council says the proposed changes would limit the country’s ability to respond to a changing security environment.
Opponents say stricter rules could make cooperation with European countries and NATO in defense, cybersecurity and other areas more difficult.
Polls show opposition to proposal
Recent polls indicate that the initiative faces strong opposition. According to a GFS Bern poll cited by Reuters, 63% of respondents oppose the proposal, while 34% support it. Another poll put the share of opponents at 68%.
Switzerland’s neutrality has been internationally recognized since 1815 and has been enshrined in the country’s Constitution since 1848. The referendum therefore does not primarily ask whether Switzerland should remain neutral, but how strictly that neutrality should be defined and applied.
