Swiss Referendum Rejects Enshrining 'Strict Neutrality' in Constitution; Foreign Minister Affirms Neutrality Remains Unchanged
Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis stated that despite the referendum's rejection of incorporating a stricter neutrality framework into the constitution, Switzerland will not abandon its neutral stance. According to Swiss German public broadcaster SRF, Cassis said in a press conference following the vote results: “This outcome was not a vote against neutrality. Switzerland was neutral yesterday, remains neutral today, and will continue to be neutral in the future.”
Cassis noted that over the past 180 years, the practical application of neutrality has proven effective. At different historical junctures, Switzerland has adopted either more rigorous or more open approaches depending on specific circumstances. He described the ability to flexibly adapt neutrality policy according to context as a crucial condition, emphasizing: “We must retain the capacity to assess each situation on its own merits.”
Previously, Swiss voters rejected an initiative to enshrine a stricter form of neutrality in the constitution through a national referendum. Preliminary government data showed that 69.73% of voters opposed the proposal, while 30.27% supported it. The initiative advocated for “permanent and armed” neutrality, prohibiting membership in military alliances or cooperation with them—except in cases of direct attack or imminent threat.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1877534144503819/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.