Swiss reject tighter neutrality rules in referendum backed by right-wing populist party
Also reported by Al Jazeera
Summary
Swiss voters decisively rejected a proposal to tighten the rules on the country’s neutrality, which was promoted by the right-wing Swiss People's Party. The proposal would have stopped Switzerland from joining sanctions unless approved by the United Nations, but 70% of voters across all regions voted against it.Key Facts
- The proposal was led by the Swiss People's Party, known for some members with pro-Russia views.
- The party argued the Swiss government was too close to the European Union and NATO, especially regarding sanctions on Russia.
- The rejected measure would have banned Switzerland from joining sanctions unless the United Nations approved them.
- Russia, a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, can veto such sanctions.
- Switzerland has had a neutrality policy since the mid-19th century and is not part of any military alliances.
- The Swiss government cooperates with NATO but only in cases of threat.
- Swiss voters regularly participate in referendums four times a year to decide on government policies.
- Voters had mixed security concerns, with some wanting strict neutrality and others worried about protection if attacked.
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