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Switzerland: Voters reject stricter view of neutrality
DW.com • • world
Key Points:
- Swiss voters are projected to reject a proposal for stricter neutrality rules, with 71% voting against and 29% in favor, according to state broadcaster SRF projections from Sunday's referendum.
- The initiative, led by the right-wing Pro Schweiz association linked to the Swiss People's Party, aimed to enforce permanent, exception-free neutrality, maintain a defensive army, avoid involvement in third-party conflicts, and require UN approval for sanctions.
- Most major political parties opposed the proposal, emphasizing the need for flexibility in neutrality, with Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis stating that neutrality must adapt to modern realities and cannot treat perpetrators and victims equally.
- A separate referendum on food security also saw rejection, with 72% of voters opposing the initiative that sought to increase domestic food production to ensure access to high-quality, affordable food.
