Swiss voters will participate in a vote on Sunday to decide whether the country's longstanding neutrality policy needs a stricter approach.
Background of Swiss Neutrality
The policy of 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 exact implementation of this policy by the government has not been clearly defined.
Read more: Cristina Lobalo Burro became the new senior advisor to Ursula von der Leyen
Initiative and Polls
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 war in Ukraine.
According to a poll conducted earlier this month by Swiss Broadcasting Corporation, the move towards a stricter interpretation of Swiss neutrality does not have sufficient public support. About 63 percent of respondents indicated they intend to vote against this initiative, while 34 percent are inclined to support it.
Opposition to the Initiative
Almost all major political parties have rejected this initiative, except for the right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP). Céline Amoudrouz, deputy president of the SVP, said in a television debate: "Our goal is to strengthen peace, diplomacy, and dialogue. To achieve this goal, we must maintain our credibility through permanent neutrality."
Opponents of the 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, insisted in a recent television debate: "Neutrality has always been applied with a degree of flexibility."
In-person voting will begin at 10:00 AM (08:00 GMT) and polling stations will remain open until noon. Results are expected to be announced about an hour later.
Additionally, another vote on food security is also taking place, aimed at ensuring the Swiss population has access to quality and affordable food at all times. This initiative seeks to significantly increase Switzerland's food production.
Read more: The European Union lifted sanctions against Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Friedman · Xi Jinping arrived in the United States for an official visit
