Swiss Voters Reject Hard-Right Referendum to Tighten Neutrality Rules
Swiss voters on Sunday decisively rejected a proposal to enshrine a stricter definition of neutrality in the constitution, with final results showing 70.1 per cent opposed. The initiative was championed by the hard-right and labeled "pro-Russian" by its critics. Moscow, which has accused Bern of abandoning its neutrality, had praised the measure. While neutrality is widely embraced in Switzerland, the referendum exposed deep disagreement over what that neutrality entails. Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, speaking to journalists in Bern as the figures were announced, said the outcome should not be read as a rejection of neutrality itself.
Key facts
- Swiss voters rejected a proposal to tighten the country's neutrality rules in a Sunday referendum.
- Final results showed 70.1 per cent of voters opposed the initiative.
- The initiative was championed by the hard-right and called "pro-Russian" by opponents.
- Moscow, which has accused Bern of abandoning its neutrality, praised the initiative.
- The proposal sought to enshrine a strict definition of neutrality in the Swiss constitution.
- The vote exposed deep disagreement over what Swiss neutrality entails.
- Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis said the result was not a vote against neutrality.
- Cassis spoke to journalists in Bern as the results were announced.
Entities
Artists
- Ignazio Cassis
Locations
- Switzerland
- Bern
- Moscow
- Russia