Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Swiss voters have overwhelmingly rejected a proposal backed by the right-wing Swiss People’s Party to strengthen the country’s neutrality. Final results released by the Swiss government showed that 70 per cent of voters, along with majorities in all 26 regions, voted against the plan.
The proposal came after Switzerland decided to join European Union sanctions against Russia over the war in Ukraine. Supporters said the government had moved too close to the EU and NATO, while opponents argued that the federal government already has enough room to protect the country’s interests.
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If passed, the measure would have stopped Switzerland from joining punitive measures against other countries unless those sanctions were imposed by the United Nations. Russia, one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, has veto power over such measures.
Switzerland is not part of any military alliance, and neutrality has been part of its constitution since the mid-19th century. But the meaning of that neutrality has been debated for years. The proposal would also have prevented the government from cooperating with an alliance, as it has with NATO for three decades, except in cases of threat.
Supporters claimed that the government had moved “dangerously close” to the EU and NATO in ways that threatened Switzerland’s security and independence of action. Opponents said the government already had the leeway it needed to safeguard national interests.
Security concerns featured on both sides of the debate. Ruth Bolomey, a 65-year-old retiree originally from Hawaii, said she voted for the initiative. “I believe we need neutrality and should keep neutrality for security reasons – for the people.”
Jihad Azkoul, 78, originally from New York, said he voted “no” and was thinking about “the question of what happens if Russia attacks us – would we be, would we get protection from our neighbours?” “(They) probably would, but just to be sure,” he added.
The vote was part of the latest round of Swiss referendums on local and national issues held on Sunday. Under Switzerland’s system of direct democracy, voters usually cast ballots four times a year to help shape government policy, and this time they firmly rejected the neutrality proposal.
With PTI Inputs
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
