The Swiss are heading to the polls today for a referendum on whether the country’s long-standing policy of neutrality should be enforced more strictly.
This initiative, which has been described as “pro-Russian” by some of its critics, was launched by the Pro Schweiz association, which has close ties to the right-wing populist Swiss People’s Party.
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Neutrality has been enshrined in the Swiss Constitution since 1848, but this initiative seeks to establish a stricter interpretation of this principle.
If approved, Switzerland will in the future not only refrain from involvement in armed conflicts and close its territory to warring parties, but it will also stop imposing sanctions on countries that have started a war, such as Russia. Exceptions will be made for UN sanctions.
With regard to business activities, the status quo will be maintained, including with countries that have started a war.
Moscow, which accuses Bern of abandoning its neutrality by aligning itself with EU sanctions, welcomed this initiative, which some of its critics have described as “pro-Russian.”
Supporters of the initiative argue that a stricter neutrality will make Switzerland safer and strengthen its credibility as a neutral mediator.
Opponents argue that in today’s world, a country cannot hide behind neutrality and treat perpetrators and victims the same way.
Polls indicate that this initiative is likely to be rejected.
Polling stations will close at 12:00 p.m. local time (1:00 p.m. Cyprus time), and a clearer picture of the results will begin to emerge about an hour later.
More than 90% of Swiss voters typically cast their ballots in advance by mail.
Source: APE-MPE
