Voters in Switzerland decide on right-wing party's proposal to tighten neutrality rules

Voters in Switzerland are deciding on a proposal to strengthen the country's neutralityByJAMEY KEATEN Associated PressSeptember 27, 2026, 1:12 AMGENEVA -- Voters in Switzerland are deciding Sunday on a proposal to strengthen the country's vaunted neutrality. The referendum is supported by a right-wing populist party that insists the Swiss government has gravitated too close to the European Union and NATO, notably over Russia's war in Ukraine.Backers of the plan championed by the Swiss People's Party want Switzerland to reinforce its commitment to neutrality that has been enshrined in the constitution since the mid-19th century and has faced years of debate over what that neutrality really means. The party, which has the most seats in parliament and counts some members with pro-Russia leanings, has bristled over the Swiss federal government's decision to join EU sanctions against Russia over what the government calls Russia's “war of aggression” against Ukraine.The measure would prohibit the government from joining sanctions against any belligerent country except sanctions approved by the United Nations. Russia wields a veto on the U.N. Security Council as one of its five permanent ...