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Swiss voters are going to the polls Sunday on a proposal to strengthen the country’s traditional neutrality, with opinion surveys indicating that most are likely to reject the initiative backed by the hard-right Swiss People’s Party.
In-person voting on the proposal and other issues begins at 10:00 am (0800 GMT), although most Swiss voters cast their ballots in advance by post.
The initiative seeks to amend Switzerland’s constitution to define its neutrality as “armed and perpetual”, sparking debate over the country’s role amid heightened geopolitical tensions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Switzerland has traditionally maintained armed military neutrality and avoided involvement in foreign conflicts. But Bern’s decision to adopt European Union sanctions against Russia has prompted renewed debate over the meaning of neutrality.
The pro-sovereignty group Pro Switzerland gathered enough signatures to force a nationwide vote on its proposal, which has been described as “pro-Russian” by opponents. Moscow has welcomed the initiative and criticised Switzerland for joining EU sanctions against Russia.
If approved, the proposal would restrict Switzerland from establishing closer ties with NATO and prohibit military alliances except in the event of an attack on the country. It would also bar Switzerland from imposing sanctions unless they were ordered by the United Nations.
The Swiss government and parliament oppose the initiative, arguing that a rigid definition of neutrality would reduce the country’s flexibility in responding to international crises.
“Neutrality has always been applied with a degree of flexibility,” Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis said in a televised debate.
He said neutrality did not mean indifference and argued that Switzerland should not ignore violations of international rules.
The initiative has also been rejected by nearly all major political parties, with the exception of the Swiss People’s Party, the country’s largest party.
“Our goal is to foster peace, diplomacy and dialogue,” SVP vice president Celine Amaudruz said, arguing that “perpetual armed neutrality” was necessary to maintain Switzerland’s credibility.
Recent opinion polls have indicated that more than 60 percent of voters would reject the proposal.
Voters are also considering a separate national initiative calling for Switzerland to increase its food self-sufficiency rate to 70 percent, from 42 percent in 2024.
The government has warned that reaching the proposed target would be difficult, while most major political parties have also opposed the measure as unrealistic.