Swiss Voters Reject Stricter Neutrality Proposal
Swiss voters rejected a proposal to make the country's neutrality stricter. All 26 cantons voted against it.
Turnout was 47.06%, Anadolu Agency reported. The Guardian said about 70% of voters opposed the proposal.
The Financial Times said 68.4% opposed it. The proposal would have limited cooperation with NATO.
It also would have blocked cooperation with military alliances unless Switzerland was attacked. It would have stopped Switzerland from using economic sanctions.
The Guardian said it would also end sanctions against Russia. Far-right supporters said the sanctions were hurting Swiss neutrality.
Switzerland's government and parliament opposed the proposal. The debate began after Switzerland adopted European Union sanctions against Russia in 2022.
Key Terms 4
- cantons Switzerland's 26 states, similar to regions or provinces.
- neutrality Switzerland's policy of not taking sides in conflicts.
- NATO A military alliance of North American and European countries.
- European Union A group of European countries with shared laws and trade.