Swiss voters reject tighter neutrality rules

Swiss voters have decisively rejected a proposal to write a stricter version of the country's neutrality into its constitution, a plan that would have limited Switzerland's ability to impose sanctions and cooperate with NATO.

The initiative, known as "Safeguard Neutrality", was rejected by 70.1 per cent of voters in the referendum on Sunday 27 September. Every canton voted against it.

What was proposed

The initiative was organised by Pro Switzerland, a group that campaigns for national sovereignty, and was backed by the right-wing Swiss People's Party, the largest party in the Swiss parliament.

Supporters wanted to fix a strict definition of neutrality in the constitution. It would have stopped Switzerland from joining economic sanctions against countries at war and curbed its cooperation with NATO.

The Russia question

The vote was driven in part by Switzerland's decision to adopt European Union sanctions against Russia after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Critics said that step compromised Swiss neutrality, a principle that has guided the country's foreign policy for more than two centuries. Opponents of the initiative argued that it would have left Switzerland isolated and unable to respond to aggression in Europe.

How Swiss democracy works

Switzerland has a system of direct democracy in which citizens can force a national vote on changes to the constitution by gathering 100,000 signatures. To pass, a popular initiative needs a majority of voters nationwide and a majority of the cantons. This one secured neither.

Voters also rejected a separate initiative on food security on the same day.

What it means

The clear result leaves the Swiss government free to continue its current approach, which combines formal neutrality with participation in international sanctions and limited cooperation with NATO.

Direct democracy

Switzerland holds national votes several times a year. Any group that collects 100,000 valid signatures within 18 months can force a vote on a change to the constitution, which must win both a majority of voters and a majority of the cantons to pass.