Swiss Referendum Results: Strict Neutrality and Nutrition Initiatives Rejected

In a nationwide referendum in Switzerland, the Neutrality Initiative, which aimed to enshrine the country's traditional neutrality policy in the constitution with stricter rules, was rejected by 70.2 percent of the vote. Voters going to the polls on the same day also failed to give sufficient support to the Nutrition Initiative, which envisioned comprehensive changes in food policies.

Referendum Results and Turnout Rates

According to the final results reported by Swiss public broadcaster SRF, the voter turnout for the referendum on the Neutrality Initiative was 47.06 percent. While 70.2 percent of voters voted against the initiative, the proportion of those who supported it remained at 29.8 percent.

The Nutrition Initiative, voted on the same day, saw a turnout of 47.3 percent and was rejected with 72.5 percent voting against and 27.5 percent voting in favor.

Cassis's Statement on Neutrality

Evaluating the referendum results, Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis emphasized that the outcome was not a stance against neutrality. Cassis stated that his country will remain neutral today and in the future, just as it has in the past.

Cassis expressed that this outcome would allow Switzerland to engage in more comprehensive cooperation with neighboring countries without joining any military alliance, thereby strengthening security.

What the Neutrality Initiative Envisioned

Supported by the right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP) and the Pro Schweiz movement, the Neutrality Initiative aimed to anchor the country's neutrality policy in the Constitution with much stricter rules. The proposal included banning participation in military and defense alliances and imposing strict limitations on cooperation.

The regulation also aimed to restrict the application of economic sanctions against belligerent states in situations outside of UN decisions.