Parliament of Switzerland insists that tighter definition of neutrality is not necessary

Government of Switzerland has rejected the neutrality initiative by the Pro Switzerland group and right-wing supporters from the Swiss People’s Party.

The Swiss Federal Council has not proposed a counterproposal and transmitted its message to parliament to debate the issue. Supporters of “Safeguarding Swiss Neutrality” initiative call for perpetual and armed neutrality to be enshrined in the country’s constitution. They also demand that Switzerland should not join any military alliance. 

The document also dictates that Switzerland should not take part in foreign wars or impose economic or diplomatic sanctions against a belligerent state, subject to its obligations to the United Nations. Finally, Bern must make use of its neutral status in the context of its good offices.

However, according to the government, defining Swiss neutrality more strictly is not necessary. 

The Federal Council is convinced of the importance of neutrality for Switzerland. As part of the Swiss identity, it is an important instrument of Swiss foreign, security and economic policy, Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis told reporters in Bern on Wednesday. But parliament believes that adopting a tighter definition of Switzerland's neutrality, would put the country's options in a straightjacket.

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