The Swiss government on Tuesday opposed a strict interpretation of the country’s neutrality, which the initiators seek to enshrine in the constitution if they win next month’s referendum. The initiators claim that Swiss neutrality, which dates back to the end of the Napoleonic Wars, has been blurred after Bern imposed economic sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine and established closer ties with NATO, particularly in the field of training.
Currently, the Swiss constitution does not contain a clear definition of neutrality. The initiators seek to replace this with an obligation to establish permanent armed neutrality and to prohibit the country from joining any military alliances. They also want to ensure that Switzerland does not participate in conflicts between third countries and does not impose sanctions on warring countries unless they are imposed by a decision of the United Nations.
Referendum on neutrality
The initiators collected more than 100,000 signatures to put the issue to a vote, which will take place according to the Swiss tradition of direct democracy. If the initiative is approved, the constitution will be amended. The referendum, supported by the Swiss People’s Party, will take place on September 27. According to a Tamedia poll in June, only 34% supported the initiative, while 54% were against.
Statements by the Swiss government
Launching the government campaign against the initiative, Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis said on Tuesday that there is no need to change the current approach to a stricter interpretation of neutrality. “Switzerland was and is neutral, and it will remain neutral,” he emphasized. According to Cassis, the requirements proposed by the initiators are already being met, as Swiss neutrality is recognized at the international level, and the country is not a member of any military or defense alliances.
Instead, the proposed changes will reduce Switzerland’s room for maneuver, he noted, allowing cooperation with foreign states only in the event of an attack on the country or preparation for it. “The initiative significantly limits cooperation in the field of security policy,” said Cassis, adding that such cooperation should be prepared in advance. “Who waits for the crisis to begin cooperation is too late.”
Source: The Straits Times
