Switzerland: referendum on neutrality overwhelmingly rejected, according to initial projections

(Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - The Swiss have rejected a popular initiative aimed at strengthening the country’s neutrality; the proposal, backed by the nationalist right and described by opponents as pro-Russian, has been rejected according to initial projections based on exit poll data.

The initiative aimed to enshrine enhanced neutrality in the Constitution, ruling out any alliance with military organisations and the imposition of economic sanctions against third countries, with the exception of those decided by the UN.

The proposal was rejected by a large majority, with 71 per cent voting against it, according to an initial projection by the polling organisation gsf.bern, published 30 minutes after the last polling stations closed.

rmi