Swiss voters decisively reject strict neutrality constitutional amendment

Swiss voters rejected a constitutional amendment that would have codified a strict interpretation of neutrality, with the proposal failing in all cantons. The Pro Suisse association, which launched the initiative, held its final voting event in the historic Burgerratssaal of the Bern Casino, but the atmosphere was subdued. Regions such as central Switzerland and Ticino, previously thought to be favorable, also voted no, while the small, traditionally conservative canton of Appenzell Rhodes-Intérieures opposed the change by nearly 60%.

Geneva, the home canton of initiative figure Samuel Sommaruga, rejected the amendment at a rate below the national average. Sommaruga, a prominent advocate from the Geneva International Committee, expressed disappointment, saying the campaign faced a coalition ranging from the left to the centre-right. He added that the vote underscores neutrality as both a principle and a component of Swiss identity.