Swiss voters rejected an initiative in a referendum that would have enshrined the principle of perpetual and comprehensive neutrality in the Swiss Constitution, as well as lifted anti-Russian sanctions and prohibited Switzerland from joining NATO.
According to preliminary results published by the Federal Statistical Office, 68.6% of voters opposed the initiative, while 31.4% supported it. Voter turnout was 46.36%.
For the initiative to pass, a double majority was required, meaning support from a majority of voters and a majority of cantons. Since 13 out of 26 cantons, including three half-cantons, have already voted against the initiative, it is clear that it has failed. Final results are expected this evening.
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70.2% of the Swiss electorate voted against tightening the principle of neutrality within the Constitution.
ReplyDeleteConsequently, the public does not wish to further restrict cooperation with neighboring countries or ban business dealings with states that have initiated a war.
Proponents of the reform sought to enshrine the principle of permanent armed neutrality in the Constitution and to prohibit the imposition of sanctions, except those approved by the UN Security Council. Furthermore, Switzerland would only be permitted to cooperate with military alliances in the event of a direct armed attack.
Switzerland's neutrality has been enshrined in the Federal Constitution since 1848.