Swiss Voters Reject Referendum Proposal to Tighten Neutrality Rules

More than two-thirds of voters in Switzerland have rejected a referendum proposal aimed at enshrining a stricter definition of national neutrality into the constitution, according to official projections. According to reports by ynet and The Jerusalem Post, the initiative sought to constitutionally prohibit Switzerland from imposing sanctions on foreign nations and from cooperating with NATO.

The measure was championed by the right-wing SVP party, which argued that Bern's traditional neutrality had eroded after the country adopted sanctions against Russia and took up a seat on the United Nations Security Council. European outlets, including German broadcaster Tagesschau, noted that the referendum result is likely to cause displeasure in Moscow.