Swiss voters decisively rejected a constitutional amendment Sunday that would have handcuffed the country's foreign policy, with 70% of the electorate voting against the proposal. The Swiss People’s Party championed the initiative, arguing that Switzerland had drifted too close to the European Union and NATO. The measure failed in all 26 cantons, a rare show of unified opposition.
The proposal would have forbidden Switzerland from joining non-UN sanctions unless the country faced a direct threat. This restriction would have neutralized Bern's ability to act independently against Russia. The Kremlin holds veto power at the UN Security Council, making such a rule practically unworkable for Western-aligned nations.
The debate raged over whether neutrality meant isolation or strategic flexibility. Ruth Bolomey, a 65-year-old retiree from Hawaii, cast her vote for the initiative. "I believe we need neutrality and should keep neutrality for security reasons — for the people," she said.
Jihad Azkoul, 78, a New York native living in Switzerland, voted against the measure. He cited fears about protection if Russia attacked. "The question of what happens if Russia attacks us — would we be, would we get protection from our neighbors?" he asked.
The result cements the current government's approach to neutrality. Switzerland will continue to align its sanctions with the EU and maintain military cooperation with NATO. The next major vote is expected later this year on pension reform.