Neutrality Changes Lose in Switzerland

Swiss voters have delivered a resounding "no" to locking a tougher version of neutrality into their constitution, Reuters reports. About 70% of voters and every canton rejected a proposal that would have barred Switzerland from joining most economic sanctions and from cooperating with military alliances like NATO except in the event of an attack, officials said Sunday. The campaign to adopt the measure was championed by a right-wing populist party, per the AP.

Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis stressed that the result doesn't scrap neutrality but keeps it flexible, allowing the government to decide on sanctions case by case and work with partners when it sees a security benefit. The Swiss People's Party pushed the measure, arguing Switzerland's position was weakened by sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. Most major parties and the government opposed the proposal and welcomed its defeat, saying it would have isolated the country and undercut its ability to respond when international law is violated. A lawmaker said the People's Party accepts the loss but will scrutinize future moves, warning that tougher sanctions could trigger a renewed push.