Swiss Government Rejects Push for Stricter Constitutional Neutrality

The Swiss government has rejected a campaign to impose a stricter definition of the country’s neutrality in the constitution, warning that the proposed changes could limit Switzerland’s ability to cooperate with other countries on security matters.

The campaign, backed by the right wing Swiss People’s Party, seeks to define Swiss neutrality as permanent and armed and prevent the country from joining military alliances. It would also restrict Switzerland from participating in conflicts between third countries or imposing sanctions on countries at war unless authorised by the United Nations.

The referendum was triggered after campaigners collected more than 100,000 signatures. The vote is scheduled for September 27. A June Tamedia poll showed 34% support for the initiative, while 54% were opposed.

Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis said Switzerland remains neutral and that the proposed constitutional changes are unnecessary. He argued that the country’s current policy already guarantees neutrality while allowing sufficient flexibility for cooperation with foreign partners.

Cassis said adopting a more restrictive definition could weaken Switzerland’s ability to prepare for security threats because cooperation with other countries would be severely limited unless Switzerland was already under attack.

The debate comes after Switzerland imposed sanctions on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine and strengthened security cooperation with NATO, prompting critics to argue that Bern has moved away from its traditional policy of neutrality.