Swiss voters lean against stricter neutrality in new poll

A second opinion survey has indicated that Swiss voters are likely to reject a proposal to enshrine a more restrictive form of neutrality in the country's constitution. The poll, conducted by GFS Bern for Swiss broadcaster SRG, found that 54% of respondents opposed the measure, while 42% supported it.

The proposal, championed by the right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP), would prohibit Switzerland from cooperating with NATO or imposing economic sanctions. The results echo an earlier survey this week that also suggested the initiative would fail to secure a majority in the national referendum scheduled for September 27.

The Swiss government has come out against the proposal. Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis argued earlier this week that adopting such a rigid definition of neutrality could isolate Switzerland, undermine its security, and strain relations with neighbouring countries.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Cassis emphasised that while neutrality is a defining feature of Switzerland, it does not need to be so strictly defined that the government and parliament lose the flexibility to decide how to implement it in practice.