The Swiss neutrality initiative, aimed at safeguarding Switzerland's long-standing policy of neutrality, is gaining traction as it approaches a crucial vote. Walter Wobmann, president of the
initiative's committee, announced that approximately 110,000 signatures have already been certified, with the initiative set to be submitted for a vote on April 11.
In an interview with the Swiss tabloid newspaper, Blick, Wobmann revealed that around 140,000 signatures have been collected for the "Safeguarding Swiss Neutrality" initiative. Emphasizing the importance of perpetual neutrality as a model for peace, Wobmann highlighted Switzerland's remarkable history of avoiding conflicts for over two centuries.
The initiative proposes that Switzerland refrain from joining any military or defense alliances and prohibits cooperation with such alliances in the event of a direct military attack on the country. However, training with foreign partners would still be permitted, and parliament could authorize the army to participate in peacekeeping operations.
Additionally, the initiative seeks to prohibit Switzerland from imposing or participating in non-military coercive measures against belligerent states, effectively barring the country from adopting sanctions like those imposed by the European Union against Russia following the Ukraine crisis. However, Switzerland's commitments to the United Nations would remain unaffected, allowing the country to take measures to prevent sanctions circumvention.
The initiative also aims to enshrine in the constitution Switzerland's role as a neutral mediator and promoter of peaceful conflict resolution, emphasizing the importance of maintaining good relations with all states.
Despite the initiative's momentum, the Federal Council opposes it, arguing that the current policy of neutrality, established in 1993, adequately safeguards Switzerland's security and foreign policy interests. According to the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Switzerland's rights and duties as a neutral state are already governed by existing laws and international conventions, making additional constitutional or legislative measures unnecessary. Photo by Kecko, Wikimedia commons.