SVP shifts focus to EU treaty fight after neutrality defeat

Swiss voters rejected the neutrality initiative by 70.2 percent, with every canton voting no, SRF reported. The proposal to enshrine permanent, armed neutrality in the federal constitution was defeated.

The result marked another setback for the Swiss People’s Party (SVP), whose initiatives on the public broadcaster SRG and a “10-million Switzerland” cap were also rejected in 2026. Social Democratic Party lawmaker Fabian Molina said the results showed Switzerland was not as polarised as often claimed, and that voters had repeatedly rejected attempts by a small minority to impose its ideas.

SVP president Marcel Dettling said his party was looking ahead to the EU treaty package, which comes before parliament this week. He said the party was prepared for what he called the “mother of all votes” and would push for a majority of the cantons in the National Council, which would trigger a mandatory nationwide vote on the package.

Molina said the SVP’s demands would take Switzerland away from international law and, in turn, from peace. He said the Social Democrats would continue to take a clear stance.

European policy is expected to be a major issue next year, when Switzerland also elects a new parliament. The neutrality vote does not determine the outcome of future ballots, SRF noted.