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Swiss Voters Show Strong Opposition to Tighter Neutrality Rules

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Swiss voters are showing strong opposition to a proposal that would tighten the country’s constitutional definition of neutrality ahead of a referendum on September 27. A Tamedia and 20 Minuten poll found 68% opposed the proposal, while a separate GFS Bern survey for SRG recorded 63% opposition.

The initiative, launched by the Swiss People’s Party (SVP), would restrict Switzerland from cooperating with NATO and imposing sanctions on other countries. Supporters say stricter neutrality rules would protect Switzerland’s neutral status and strengthen its role as a mediator, while opponents argue the changes could limit the government’s ability to respond to international developments.

The Swiss government has opposed the proposal, which will be decided through the country’s direct-democracy system. Switzerland’s neutrality has been internationally recognised since 1815 and incorporated into its constitution in 1848. The latest polls show opposition has increased compared with surveys conducted last month.

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Swiss Government Rejects Stricter Neutrality Ahead of Referendum

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Switzerland’s government has rejected a proposal to introduce a stricter definition of neutrality into the country’s constitution ahead of a nationwide referendum on September 27. The initiative seeks to make Swiss neutrality permanent and armed, while preventing the country from joining military alliances.

Supporters, backed by the right-wing Swiss People’s Party, argue that Switzerland’s neutrality has been weakened by its decision to impose sanctions on Russia following the invasion of Ukraine and by closer cooperation with NATO on areas including military training. They also want Switzerland barred from taking part in conflicts between third countries or imposing sanctions on warring nations unless authorised by the United Nations.

Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis defended the government’s position, saying Switzerland remains neutral and does not need a more restrictive definition. He warned that the proposed constitutional changes could limit the country’s ability to cooperate with foreign partners during emerging security threats. A June Tamedia poll showed 34% support for the initiative, compared with 54% opposed.

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