SRF presents arguments on Switzerland’s two September initiatives

SRF has published an interactive voting guide comparing the arguments for and against two Swiss popular initiatives due to go before voters and cantons on September 27, 2026.

Neutrality initiative

The initiative on safeguarding Swiss neutrality would define neutrality more strictly in the constitution as permanent and armed. Switzerland would be barred from joining or cooperating with military or defence alliances, except if it were attacked militarily or such an attack were being prepared.

It would also prevent Switzerland from imposing sanctions on states engaged in war, except for United Nations sanctions and measures designed to prevent sanctions from being circumvented. The initiative would require Switzerland to use its neutrality in its role as a mediator.

Supporters argue that credible and comprehensive neutrality provides security and deters attackers. They say sanctions often affect civilians rather than those responsible, while neutrality helps Switzerland remain a reliable political and economic partner. In an uncertain global situation, they say, Switzerland should preserve its established neutrality to promote peace.

Opponents argue that Switzerland needs room to act in its own interests and must cooperate and exchange information internationally before an attack occurs. They say the country supports international law and that sanctions are a peaceful tool for responding to violations. The initiative could prevent Switzerland from adopting certain sanctions against states at war and damage the country’s reputation, they argue.

Opponents also say that neutrality is already anchored in the Federal Constitution and that key demands of the initiative are already being met. Economic sanctions, they add, do not constitute military participation in a war.

Food security initiative

The food security initiative calls for stronger sustainable domestic production, more plant-based food and clean drinking water. It would require at least 70 percent of the food consumed in Switzerland to be produced domestically within 10 years of its adoption.

The initiative would direct agriculture to produce fewer animal products and more plant-based food, allowing more people to be fed on the same amount of land. It also calls for better protection of the environment and drinking water, as well as the preservation of soil fertility and biodiversity through reduced use of pesticides and fertilisers.

Supporters say Swiss agriculture is not currently geared towards feeding the population itself and that domestic self-sufficiency must be increased. They want Swiss farmland to produce more plant-based food for people instead of animal feed. They also argue that livestock farming dependent on imported feed causes excessive fertilisation of soils, which are the foundation of food production.

They say climate change and pollution require national planning for water supplies, and that food security is fundamental to people’s lives and the country’s security.

Opponents say the federal government is already planning to increase domestic food production and that a gradual approach is necessary. They argue that raising the net self-sufficiency rate to 70 percent within 10 years is unrealistic.

They also warn that greater intervention in food production could impose high costs on farmers and the state. The initiative could force Switzerland to adopt a primarily vegetarian and vegan diet, they say, restricting freedom of choice. They argue it would accelerate structural change, weaken the competitiveness of agriculture and put jobs at risk. Restrictions on the availability of meat and dairy products could also lead to more cross-border shopping.

SRF said its voting compass is not a voting recommendation. Its information is based on the federal voting booklet and the official websites of the campaign groups.