Swiss vote today on a more restrictive interpretation of the country’s neutrality

Swiss citizens will today decide in a referendum whether they want a more restrictive definition of their country’s neutrality, which would, among other things, mean that Switzerland could not impose international sanctions on warring parties.

The initiative for the “preservation of Swiss neutrality” calls for a constitutional provision stating that Switzerland’s neutrality is “permanent and armed,” according to a statement on the government’s website.

The initiative was launched by the national-conservative organization “Pro Switzerland” (Pro Schweiz), and is supported by the right-wing Swiss People’s Party (SVP), the largest party in the lower house of parliament, represented in the Swiss government, while the other parties in the government oppose this initiative.

The government believes that Switzerland must retain flexibility in applying neutrality in a way that serves its national interests.

Public opinion polls show that citizens will reject this initiative.