Swiss government opposes stricter constitutional definition of neutrality before vote

Switzerland's government dismissed a drive to codify a rigid, perpetual neutrality in the constitution, stating the present framework already satisfies global standards. The initiative, backed by the right-wing Swiss People's Party, aims to enshrine an armed neutrality and prohibit joining any military alliances or imposing sanctions unless sanctioned by the United Nations. Proponents have gathered more than 100,000 signatures to force a referendum scheduled for September 27.

A recent Tamedia poll indicated that only about one-third of voters support the measure, with a clear majority against it. Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis warned that the proposed wording would limit Switzerland’s flexibility in security cooperation, restricting assistance to situations where the country is directly threatened. He emphasized that waiting for a crisis before cooperating would be too late. The vote will decide whether the constitution must be amended to reflect these stricter terms.