Swiss voters set to reject tighter neutrality referendum, poll finds

Swiss voters appear poised to reject a September 27 referendum that would enshrine a stricter definition of neutrality in the constitution, according to a new poll published on Wednesday.

The survey, conducted for the newspapers 20 Minuten and Tamedia, found that 62% of the 13,154 respondents opposed the initiative, while 32% supported it. The proposal, backed by the right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP), seeks to define Swiss neutrality as "perpetual and armed."

If passed, the measure would prohibit Switzerland from joining or cooperating with military or defense alliances, except in cases of an attack or imminent attack. It would also bar participation in third-country wars and the imposition of sanctions against belligerents, with the exception of U.N. sanctions and anti-circumvention measures. Additionally, the initiative would require Switzerland to use its neutral status to promote mediation.

The Swiss government opposes the proposal. Support for the initiative appears confined to SVP voters, with supporters of all other major parties strongly against it.

The centre-right FDP party has also come out against the initiative, arguing it would be harmful and would only benefit aggressive nations like Russia. FDP co-president Benjamin Muehlemann said that prohibiting Switzerland from supporting international efforts in response to flagrant violations of international law would "in effect, help strengthen the aggressors' camp." He added that Switzerland must stand on the side of peace, the rule of law, and democracy, not on the side of autocrats.

A separate referendum on food security, which would boost domestic production, shift consumption toward plant-based foods, and protect drinking water, soil, and biodiversity, also looks set to fail. The poll showed 31% support and 65% opposition for that measure.