Foreign Affairs
Swiss Voters Reject Referendum to Strengthen Neutrality Definition in Constitution
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A wide majority of Swiss voters rejected a referendum proposal on Sunday that sought to narrow the constitutional definition of neutrality. Seventy percent voted against the initiative, which aimed to prohibit Switzerland from joining military alliances or imposing sanctions unless attacked, except for UN-mandated measures. The proposal originated from Pro Schweiz, linked to the right-wing populist Swiss People's Party (SVP). Russian officials had previously supported the measure, arguing that current sanctions violate neutrality principles. Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis welcomed the result, stating that the population chose to preserve a proven neutrality that maintains Switzerland's freedom to protect its security and independence.
Ozetta summarises; the reporting is the newsroom's