An electoral poster reads “No war, Yes to Swiss neutrality” is posted along a road in Epagny, Switzerland (AP)
Switzerland has voted against a proposal aimed at tightening the country’s long-standing policy of neutrality, with 70 per cent of voters rejecting the measure in a nationwide referendum on Sunday. The measure was rejected by majorities in all 26 Swiss regions, according to final results released by the Swiss government. Ruth Bolomey, a 65-year-old retiree originally from Hawaii, said she voted for the initiative. New York native Jihad Azkoul, 78, voted against the proposal.
Because of its response to Russia’s war in Ukraine, the proposal was backed by the right-wing Swiss People’s Party, whose supporters argued that Switzerland had moved too close to the European Union and Nato, particularly.
Supporters said the government had moved “dangerously close” to the EU and Nato and argued that this could weaken Switzerland’s security and ability to act independently. He said his decision was influenced by concerns over how Switzerland would respond if Russia attacked. Opponents of the proposal argued that the federal government already had enough flexibility to protect Switzerland’s interests and respond to security threats. Security concerns featured prominently on both sides of the referendum. The referendum was part of Switzerland’s latest round of votes on national and local issues. The country’s system of direct democracy allows citizens to vote several times a year on proposed changes to laws and government policy.