Switzerland to hold referendum on “permanent neutrality”

Switzerland has scheduled a nationwide referendum for September 27 on a popular initiative titled “On Neutrality”, TASS reports.

The proposal seeks to enshrine in the constitution the principle of “permanent, armed and comprehensive neutrality”, which would prohibit the country from participating in any sanctions except those approved by the United Nations Security Council.

The initiative was launched in November 2022 after the Swiss government aligned itself with European Union sanctions against Russia. Its authors argue that the decision undermined Switzerland’s security by effectively making it a party to a conflict involving a nuclear power.

Supporters of the initiative claim that political developments have moved away from Switzerland’s traditional neutrality doctrine and insist it should be firmly enshrined in the constitution. The proposal also calls for banning not only participation in foreign military operations, but also non-military coercive measures, including economic and diplomatic sanctions as well as travel restrictions.