Swiss citizens are casting their votes today on a citizen initiative aimed at reinforcing the country’s long-standing neutrality. This initiative, supported by nationalist right-wing factions, has faced significant opposition in polls, according to reports from France Presse.
Dubbed “pro-Russian” by some opponents, the initiative seeks to enshrine a strengthened neutrality in the constitution, prohibiting any alliance with military organizations and forbidding economic sanctions against third countries, except those mandated by the United Nations.
Voting in Switzerland primarily occurs by mail, which explains why polling stations are only open on Sunday morning. Initial results are expected later in the afternoon.
Rooted in Swiss history for several centuries, neutrality has been enshrined in the federal constitution since 1848, keeping Switzerland from participating in wars between other states.
However, Switzerland’s recent adoption of European Union sanctions against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine, along with its first non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2023-2024, has brought the issue of Swiss neutrality to the forefront of public debate.
Currently, there are two prevailing views on Swiss neutrality.
A Flexibility in Neutrality
Proponents of a flexible neutrality argue for the necessity of adapting national policies to current circumstances. This perspective has allowed Switzerland to cooperate with NATO without being a member of the alliance.
“Neutrality has always been employed with a certain degree of maneuverability,” stated Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis during a recent public radio interview. He emphasized, “Neutrality does not mean Switzerland turns a blind eye to violations of international norms.”
Russia Supports Initiative Backed by Sovereigntists
On the other hand, the sovereignist group Pro Suisse, which initiated the proposal with the backing of the right-wing Swiss People’s Party (SVP), advocates for a stricter interpretation of neutrality. Céline Amaudruz, SVP vice-president and member of parliament, asserted on Swiss public television, “Switzerland has a fundamental role to play on this planet. We want to be that white spot, i.e., neutral. To bring peace, diplomacy, and dialogue, we must be credible through perpetual and armed neutrality.”
Moscow, which has accused Bern of abandoning its neutrality by aligning with EU sanctions, has welcomed this initiative. Within the major political parties, only the SVP has supported the proposal.
Poll Predictions and Other Votes on Sunday
Early opinion polls indicated a close vote; however, recent surveys from last week show that a significant majority of voters—over 60%—are likely to reject the initiative, aligning with the government’s position.
Polls also predict the rejection of another initiative aimed at boosting Swiss food production to reduce dependence on imports. Originating from a non-political civic movement, this proposal seeks to increase food self-sufficiency from 42% in 2024 to 70% within a decade, a target deemed highly challenging, if not impossible, by the government.
The main political parties also consider the food initiative unrealistic and are calling for its rejection, with the exception of the Green Party, which has not issued any voting recommendations.
