Swiss voters are likely to vote against a stricter proposal for neutrality in a referendum taking place on Sunday. According to published forecasts, 71 percent of voters oppose this proposal, while only 29 percent have expressed support.
Background of Swiss Neutrality
Swiss neutrality has been recognized since the end of the Napoleonic Wars in 1815 and has been part of the country's constitution since 1848. However, the manner of its implementation by the Swiss government has not been clearly defined. This initiative has been proposed by the "Pro Switzerland" association, a right-wing organization with ties to the Swiss People's Party. They believe that the Swiss government has become too close to the European Union and NATO since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine.
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Reactions to the Neutrality Initiative
According to a survey conducted by Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) earlier this month, the move towards a stricter interpretation of Swiss neutrality lacks the necessary support for the approval of this referendum. 63 percent of respondents indicated they intend to vote against this initiative, while 34 percent plan to vote in favor.
Almost all major political parties, except for the Swiss People's Party (SVP), have voted against this initiative. Céline Amaudruz, vice president of the SVP, stated in a television debate: "Our goal is to promote peace, diplomacy, and dialogue. To achieve this goal, we must maintain our credibility through permanent neutrality."
Opponents of this initiative argue that in the modern world, a country cannot hide behind neutrality and treat criminals and victims equally. Ignazio Cassis, the Swiss Foreign Minister, emphasized in a recent television debate: "Neutrality has always been exercised with a degree of flexibility."
In-person voting will begin at 10:00 AM (08:00 GMT) and polling stations will remain open until 12:00 PM. The results of this referendum will be announced about an hour later.
Additionally, another referendum on food security has also been held, aimed at ensuring the Swiss population has access to quality and affordable food at all times. According to SRF statistics, 28 percent of voters supported this initiative, while 72 percent voted against it.
This initiative seeks to increase domestic food production in Switzerland, aiming for the country to produce significantly more of its own food.
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