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How neutral should Switzerland actually be?

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Where does Switzerland stand in the world? And where is it heading? I focus on current and possible future developments. After completing my studies (history, law and European studies), I worked for a time at the Swiss embassy in Athens. I have journalistic experience at home and abroad, at the local and national levels, as a freelancer and as a staff journalist. Today, it's with an international focus.

For some it isn’t neutral enough, for others it’s too much so: Swiss neutrality is the topic of plenty of debate, both at home and abroad.

On September 27, voters have their say on the so-called neutrality initiative. Surveys show that the country’s neutral stance has solid backing – but that people also have quite different ideas of what it involves.

What do you think? How should Switzerland shape its neutrality today? Let us know in the debate below.

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Neutrality as a compass: in which direction should it point?

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Neutrality

How the neutrality initiative could affect Swiss policy

This content was published on The neutrality initiative seeks to incorporate a strict interpretation of Swiss neutrality in the federal constitution. What would this mean for Switzerland’s foreign and security policy?

Read more: How the neutrality initiative could affect Swiss policy

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Anonymous
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.

Until now, our neutrality has been our hallmark.__In the face of injustice, we remained silent, and our services to those in power remained unaffected. __With a little more self-confidence, our wealthy little country can do better. __Away from expensive, destructive ‘war toys’, and towards constructive priorities such as peace research and corresponding action, especially in times of crisis. __In short, towards a more serious form of neutrality.__In this way, Switzerland assumes a noble leadership role as an example to the rest of the world, one that deserves respect and esteem.

Bis jetzt war unsere Neutralität ein Aushängeschild.__Bei Unrecht herrschte Stillschweigen und Dienstleistungen gegenüber Machthaber blieben fortan intakt. __Mit etwas mehr Selbstbewusstsein kann unser reicher Kleinstaat Besseres an den Tag legen. __Weg von teuren destruktiven “Kriegspielzeugen”, anstelle hin zu konstruktiven Prioritäten wie Friedensforschung und entsprechendes Handeln, vor allem in Krisen. __Kurz, Richtung seriöserer Neutralität.__So übernimmt die Schweiz als Beispiel für die restliche Welt eine noble Führungsrolle, die Respekt und Ansehen verdient.

S
swiscat
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.

Switzerland must remain neutral, and that’s just the way it is – there’s no need to change it. My father fought in the Second World War for Switzerland and for the fatherland. Switzerland must not get involved wherever there is war in the world; Switzerland must fight for its own country and not for other countries where there is war. It’s quite simple, and that is my opinion

Die Schweiz muss neutral bleiben und das ist einfach so man muss das nicht ändern mein Vater war im zweiten Weltkrieg hat gekämpft für die Schweiz und für das Vaterland die Schweiz muss sich nicht einmischen wo auf der Welt Krieg herrscht die Schweiz muss für sein eigenes Land kämpfen und nicht für ein anderes Ländern wo krieg ist ganz einfach und das ist meine Meinung

R
Rbaaij

I think it is an strategic error, to break economic ties with russia. As it creates as a result the sentiment that Europe is in fact the enemy, in the eyes of the russian people. Thereby playing into Putins hand. ____I advice the Swiss people to vote for neutrality. That way you will be again a good example for history.

Giannis Mavris
Giannis Mavris SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@Rbaaij

Here’s a counter-proposal: Russia ceases hostilities and withdraws from Ukraine – then Switzerland can lift the sanctions again. What do you think of that? That might perhaps be a better strategic approach.

Ein Gegenvorschlag: Russland stellt die Kriegshandlungen ein und zieht sich aus der Ukraine zurück - dann kann die Schweiz die Sanktionen wieder aufheben. Was halten Sie davon? Das wäre vielleicht eine bessere strategische Weitsicht.

Anonymous
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.

There is a huge difference between Switzerland manufacturing and selling weapons at will, and it joining in with sanctions against a country that has become the target of other countries’ political ambitions. Which of these two scenarios does our neutrality prohibit? This should be clear: sanctions are a form of non-military attack. From the perspective of neutrality, these are, of course, never permissible.____As far as arms sales are concerned, the matter is more complicated. This is a matter of ethics and the specific situation: are the weapons being used to wage war? If so, neutrality prohibits their sale. Otherwise? Well, that’s an ethical question....

Es ist ein grosser Unterschied, ob die Schweiz beliebig Waffen herstellt und verkauft, oder ob sie Sanktionen gegen ein Land mitmacht, das zur Zielscheibe machtpoitischer Absichten anderer Länder geworden ist. Welches von beidem verbietet uns die Neutralität? Das sollte klar sein: Sanktionen sind eine Art von nichtmilitärischem Angriff. Diese sind aus Sicht der Neutralität natürlich in keinem Fall zulässig.____Was Waffenverkäufe betrifft, ist die Sache schwieriger. Hier geht es um Ethik und um die jeweilige Situation: Wird mit den Waffen Krieg geführt? Dann verbietet die Neutralität ihren Verkauf. Sonst? Tja, eine ethische Frage....

Anonymous
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@Anonymous

(I entered a name in my profile when I registered. I therefore don’t understand why I appear here as ‘Anonymous’. That’s not intentional.)

(Ich hatte beim Registrieren in meinem Profil einen Namen angegeben. Ich verstehe deshalb nicht, warum ich hier als "Anonym" erscheine. Das ist keine Absicht.)

Giannis Mavris
Giannis Mavris SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@Anonymous

Are sanctions a form of attack? You’ll have to look into that. And because they relate to a single country in this instance: Switzerland has around three dozen sanctions regimes, some of which have been in place for decades: https://www.seco.admin.ch/de/sanktionsverordnungen

Sanktionen sind eine Art von Angriff? Das müssen Sie ausführen. Und weil sie sich hier auf ein einziges Land beziehen: Die Schweiz hat rund drei Dutzend Sanktionsregime, teilweise seit Jahrzehnten: https://www.seco.admin.ch/de/sanktionsverordnungen

H
hcurielg
The following contribution has been automatically translated from ES.

I am Mexican and I would like my country to be neutral, like Switzerland. After losing half our territory in a disgraceful war with the USA in the mid-19th century, we have only had a few minor disputes with our southern neighbour, Guatemala, which never escalated into a major armed conflict; now, at the start of the 21st century, we have no one to fight with or any reason to fight; we only share a border with the USA – the largest country – and with Guatemala and Belize, which are small nations. That is why I believe Mexico is destined to be a neutral country, but we need to discuss the issue and enshrine it in our Constitution. We have a great deal, a very great deal, to learn from Switzerland in this regard.

Yo soy mexicano y quisiera que mi país fuera neutral, como lo es Suiza. Después de perder la mitad del territorio en una guerra infame con USA a mediados del siglo XIX, sólo tuvimos unas ligeras disputas con nuestro vecino del sur, Guatemala, que no llegó a ser un conflicto bélico mayor; ahora, a comienzos del siglo XXI no tenemos con quién o por qué pelear, sólo tenemos frontera con USA, la más grande, y con Guatemala y Belice, que son naciones pequeñas. Por ello creo que México está destinado a ser un país neutral, pero nos hace falta discutir el tema y ponerlo en nuestra Constitución. De eso tenemos que aprender mucho, muchísimo de Suiza.

Giannis Mavris
Giannis Mavris SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@hcurielg

Thank you for your comments – very interesting! Is this actually being called for by political parties or politicians?

Danke für Ihre Ausführungen, sehr interessant! Wird das von Parteien oder Politikern tatsächlich gefordert

L
luisa.srf.saxophone
The following contribution has been automatically translated from FR.

As neutral as possible: Switzerland should remain strictly neutral in military terms, clear in legal matters and active in humanitarian affairs. ____And @jepyerly@websud.ch__ 24 August 2026 09:36 ____This sort of talk has to stop, sir. The sea and the Portuguese people aren’t just there to change your nappies. Even if we do, for a decent wage. Do we understand each other or not?

Wie neutral wie möglich : Die Schweiz sollte militärisch strikt neutral, rechtlich klar und humanitär aktiv bleiben. ____Und @jepyerly@websud.ch__ 2026-08-24 09:36 ____Il faut que ça cesse ce discours, monsieur. La mer et le peuple portugais ne sont pas là que pour vous changer les chouches. Même si nous le faisons, pour un salaire décent. Verstehen wir uns oder nicht

J
jepyerly@websud.ch
The following contribution has been automatically translated from FR.

More and more Swiss people are not truly Swiss. This is dangerous. Particularly those working in government departments, the press and on television. It is understandable that these people are more pro-EU than neutral towards Switzerland. This distorts the debate. Maintaining a strong neutrality (which we have already lost) would enable our country to play the role of negotiator, bringing together not just Zelenskyy at the negotiating table.The PLR and the ‘caviar socialists’ couldn’t care less about the political, economic, social and agricultural future of the Swiss people. What the initiators are calling for is not revolutionary. It is a safeguard that would ensure our country’s credibility.

De plus en plus de Suisses, ne sont pas véritablement suisse. C'est dangereux. Surtout, ceux qui œuvrent dans les administrations, la presse, la télévision. On peut comprendre que ces personnes, sont plus pro-UE que Suisse-neutre . Cela fausse le débat. Avoir une neutralité solide, ( nous l'avons déjà perdue ) permettrait à notre Pays de jouer le rôle de négociateur , de tour de tables, réunissant pas seulement Zélenski .Le PLR, les socialistes -Caviar , se fichent de l'avenir politique économique , social, agricole de la population suisse. Ce que demandent les initiant s, n'est pas révolutionnaire. C'est un garde fou , permettant la crédibilité de notre Pays.

Giannis Mavris
Giannis Mavris SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@jepyerly@websud.ch

So, to deny that people with differing views are Swiss is really in poor taste. The beauty of democracy is that you can have a discussion despite holding different opinions. But when you argue in that way, your own position automatically loses weight and relevance. It’s a shame.

Menschen mit anderer Meinung abzusprechen, dass sie Schweizer sind, ist also wirklich schlechter Stil. Das Schöne an der Demokratie ist, dass man trotz unterschiedlicher Meinung diskutieren kann. Aber wenn man so argumentiert, verliert die eigene Position automatisch an Gewicht und Relevanz. Schade.

G
Ghamari
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.

Switzerland should remain strictly neutral in military terms, clear in legal matters and active in humanitarian affairs. Neutrality means neither moral indifference nor automatic allegiance to a power bloc. It can only be credible if the same standards are applied to all: no participation in war, no military favouritism towards any party to a conflict, consistent protection of international humanitarian law and open channels of communication with all sides. Switzerland’s strength lies not in following the crowd, but in its independence. Only those who serve no particular camp can mediate between the camps and credibly promote peace.

Die Schweiz sollte militärisch strikt neutral, rechtlich klar und humanitär aktiv bleiben. Neutralität bedeutet weder moralische Gleichgültigkeit noch automatische Gefolgschaft gegenüber einem Machtblock. Glaubwürdig wird sie nur durch denselben Massstab für alle: keine Kriegsbeteiligung, keine militärische Bevorzugung einer Konfliktpartei, konsequenter Schutz des humanitären Völkerrechts und offene Gesprächskanäle zu allen Seiten. Die Stärke der Schweiz liegt nicht im Mitlaufen, sondern in ihrer Unabhängigkeit. Nur wer keinem Lager dient, kann zwischen den Lagern vermitteln und Frieden glaubwürdig fördern.

Giannis Mavris
Giannis Mavris SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@Ghamari

I would argue that Switzerland certainly belongs to one camp. Don’t you see it that way? (And has done for quite some time)

Ich würde behaupten die Schweiz gehört durchaus einem Lager an. Sehen Sie das nicht so? (Und zwar schon eine ganze Weile)

Anonymous
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@Giannis Mavris

Which one, exactly? And what on earth is a ‘camp’ supposed to be, anyway? __If you think that your country belongs somewhere in terms of ideology, that simply means, for a start, that you perhaps do not understand political neutrality. After all, a country can position itself as politically neutral, regardless of any similarities between the way its population thinks and the ideologies of other countries.

Welchem denn? Und was soll das denn überhaupt sein, ein "Lager"? __Wenn man so denkt, dass sein Land gesinnungsmässig irgenwo dazugehört, heisst das erstmal nur, dass man vielleicht die politische Neutralität nicht versteht. Denn ein Land kann sich politisch als neutral positionieren, ganz egal, welche Ähnlichkeiten das Denken seiner Bevölkerung mit dem Gedankengut anderer Länder hat.

Giannis Mavris
Giannis Mavris SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@Anonymous

Neutrality is not a God-given right, but a human construct – based on moral and ethical principles. And Switzerland shares these principles primarily with its European neighbours. It is illusory to believe that this does not play a part in the country’s foreign policy.

Neutralität ist nicht gottgegeben, sondern von Menschen geschaffen - und zwar basierend auf ihre moralischen und ethischen Grundsätzen. Und diese teilt die Schweiz in erster Linie mit ihren europäischen Nachbarstaaten. Zu glauben, das würde nicht in die Aussenpolitik des Landes reinspielen, ist illusorisch.

J
jepyerly@websud.ch
The following contribution has been automatically translated from FR.

The neutrality of our small country, situated in the heart of Europe, has been recognised for centuries. This is very important. The change in stance by our Federal Councillor Cassis, who is being squeezed from both sides by the EU, is in danger of dragging us into war with Russia. Driven by a desire to be among the world’s great powers, yet lacking the diplomatic, military and food security capabilities to do so, the Swiss people are taking dangerous risks for the future.

La neutralité de notre petit Pays ,au centre de l'Europe est reconnue depuis des siècles. c'est très important. Le changement de position de notre Conseiller fédéral Cassis , tenu en tenaille par l'UE risque bien de nous emmener en guerre avec la Russie. Avec l'envie de faire partie des grands de ce monde , sans les capacités diplomatiques , militaires et alimentaires, la population suisse prend des risques dangereux pour l'avenir.

Giannis Mavris
Giannis Mavris SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@jepyerly@websud.ch

By ‘shift in public opinion’, I take it you mean the adoption of sanctions and the move towards closer alignment with the EU and NATO on security policy? To attribute this solely to Federal Councillor Cassis is a bit simplistic: all relevant public opinion polls confirm this trend.

Mit Meinungsumschwung meinen Sie die Übernahme der Sanktionen und die sicherheitspolitische Annäherung an EU und Nato, nehme ich an? Das nur auf Bundesrat Cassis abzuwälzen ist etwas simpel: Alle entsprechenden Umfragen bei der Bevölkerung bestätigen diese Ausrichtung.

M
Mohler
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.

There is never any discussion of what the consequences would be if the initiative were to become constitutional law. As already threatened on 26–27 February 2022, when the Federal Council hesitated to adopt the EU sanctions, Switzerland would face sanctions, as its non-participation would open the floodgates to circumvention schemes. That would be an economic disaster, from 28 September 2026 onwards.

Nie wird erörtert, was die Folgen wären, würde die Initiative Verfassungsrecht. Wie bereits am 26./27. Februar 2022 angedroht, als der Bundesrat zögerte, die EU- Sanktionen zu übernehmen, würde die Schweiz sanktioniert, da ihr Nichtmitmachen Umgehungsgeschäften Tür und,Tor öffnete. Das wäre eine wirtschaftliche Katastrophe, ab 28. September 2026.

Giannis Mavris
Giannis Mavris SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@Mohler

Thank you for pointing that out: the Embargo Act was, after all, enacted precisely to prevent circumvention.

Danke für den Hinweis: Das Embargogesetz wurde ja deswegen erlassen, damit Umgehungsgeschäfte verunmöglicht werden.

W
Wala Boss
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.

As far as I’m concerned, the current neutrality is fine. If we take the initiative, cooperation with NATO will no longer be possible for me, because NATO is clearly not neutral! That would be yet another case of cherry-picking.

Für mich ist die momentane Neutralität in Ordnug. Nehmen wir die Initiative an ist eine Zusammenarbeit mit det NATO für mich nicht mehr möglich, weil die NATO klar nicht Neutral ist! Das wäre ein weiteres Rosinenpicken

Giannis Mavris
Giannis Mavris SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@Wala Boss

The initiative proposes that cooperation with military alliances should be prohibited – unless Switzerland were to come under attack. The question is who, in such a case, would be prepared to cooperate with Switzerland. And whether this would not be seen, even more so, as cherry-picking.

Die Initiative sieht vor, dass Kooperationen mit Militärbündnissen verboten ist - ausser wenn die Schweiz angegriffen würde. Die Frage ist, wer in diesem Fall bereit sein wird, mit der Schweiz eine Kooperation einzugehen. Und ob das nicht erst recht als Rosinenpicken angesehen wird.

Anonymous
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@Wala Boss

"Cherry-picking" – is that really so bad? On closer inspection, neutrality simply cannot work without a country carefully considering its position on every single issue. So, as a neutral country, we will inevitably be subject to this (unfortunately very silly) accusation of “cherry-picking”. We must, and can, put up with that. :-)

"Rosinenpicken" - ist das denn schlimm? Genau betrachtet funktioniert Neutralität gar nicht, ohne dass ein Land in jeder Angelegenheit genau prüft, wie es sich positioniert. Also werden wir als neutrales Land diesem (leider sehr dummen) Vorwurf der "Rosinenpickerei" zwangsläufig ausgesetzt sein. Das müssen und können wir aushalten. :-)

D
Donat-Magnin Paule
The following contribution has been automatically translated from FR.

as it currently stands

comme elle est actuellement

A
angelo del castillo
The following contribution has been automatically translated from ES.

active neutrality, which means justice for all

neutralidad activa que significa justicia para todos

L
Luthero
The following contribution has been automatically translated from IT.

The litmus test of how this much-vaunted neutrality now exists in practice only on paper can be seen in the clumsy way the Russia-Ukraine conflict has been handled. The Federal Council, and Cassis in particular, were quick to fall into line with – and even go further than – the EU on sanctions, in order to prove to the European Commission that they were more Catholic than the Pope. Thus, Switzerland has tied its own hands in its role as mediator – a role in which it could have played a leading part even before the Istanbul talks. It then made a complete fool of itself by organising a conference for Ukraine at Bürgenstock in 2024 that was as pompous as it was ridiculous and a complete failure, without inviting the Russian side. It is clear that this shambles on the part of the Federal Council will bring nothing good to our beloved homeland. Politicians of a far higher calibre than Ignazio Cassis or the former Viola Amherd would have put Switzerland back in the global diplomatic spotlight, as on many occasions in the past, whilst maintaining diplomatic and economic relations with Russia and China for the WELFARE of our country.

La prova del nove di come la sbandierata neutralitá praticamente oramai esiste solo sulla carta lo si denota come è stato maldestramente gestito il conflitto Russia-Ucraína. ll CF e in particolare Cassis si è affretato ad allinearsi e addirittura superare la UE con le sanzioni per dimostrare alla commissione UE di essere più papista del papa. Cosí la Svizzera si è__legata mani e piedi nel suo ruolo di mediatore di cui__avrebbe potuto essere protagonista ancor prima__delle trattative di Instambul. Poi in seguito si è__ricoperta di ridicolo organizzando una pomposa quanto ridicola e fallimentare conferenza per l'Ucraina al Bürgenstock nel 2024 senza invitare la controparte russa. E' chiaro che questo malandazzo del CF non condurrá nulla di buono alla nostra amata patria. Politici di ben altra levatura di un Ignazio Cassis o della ex Viola Amherd avrebbero rimesso la Svizzera al centro dei riflettori della diplomazia mondiale come in molte occasioni in passato, tenendo relazioni diplomatiche e economiche anche con Russia e Cina per il BENESSERE del nostro paese.

Giannis Mavris
Giannis Mavris SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@Luthero

Thank you for your comment. But do you really believe that Switzerland would have been given this role just like that?

Danke für Ihren Kommentar. Glauben Sie aber tatsächlich, dass die Schweiz diese Rolle einfach so gekriegt hätte

M
Mohler
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@Luthero

The sanctions were imposed in accordance with the Embargo Act of 2002, a law enacted democratically.__That has so far been the only non-chaotic aspect of the Federal Council’s N policy.__And is it permissible to refer to the UN Charter and international humanitarian law? Is there a ‘no’ to the most heinous war crimes? NO!

Die Sanktionen erfolgten gemäss Embargogesetz bon 2002, einem demokratisch erlassenen Gesetz.__Das war bisher das einzige Nichtchaotische der bundesrätlichen N-Politik.__Und darf man auf die UNO-Charta und das humanitäre Völkerrecht hinweisen? Gibt es eine N gegenüber den scheusslichsten Kriegsverbgrechen? NEIN!

Anonymous
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@Mohler

Yes, ethically and morally speaking, there can be no neutrality when it comes to the crimes and atrocities taking place in the world (and, in the case of warring parties, certainly on both sides!). __But a country’s political neutrality is a different matter. Even a politically neutral country can clearly and publicly state its ethical or moral position. Nevertheless, if it wishes to remain neutral, it must not allow itself to be drawn to either side, and certainly must not take part in any acts resembling warfare.

Ja, ethisch und moralisch gibt es keine Neutralität gegenüber den Verbrechen und Scheusslichkeiten, die in der Welt passieren (und bei Kriegsparteien ganz gewiss immer von beiden Seiten!). __Aber die politische Neutralität eines Landes ist etwas anderes. Seine ethische oder moralische Position kann auch ein politisch neutrales Land deutlich öffentlich klarstellen. Dennoch darf es es sich, wenn es neutral sein will, auf keine Seite ziehen lassen und schon gar keine kriegsähnliche Handlungen mitmachen.

W
webertum@wanadoo.fr
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.

Switzerland has been neutral for over 200 years and has, for the most part, fared well as a result. Anyone who claims otherwise is either lying or pursuing their own interests. Switzerland is a modern, innovative nation that coexists successfully with its neighbours, pursues common goals and, thanks to its linguistic diversity, negotiates on an equal footing. Skilled and cultural immigration has brought about reforms and changes that have helped raise Switzerland to a high international standard.__Nevertheless, our history is not without its myths. Stories that serve to explain events in a credible way. This applies to all nations in the world. But the attempt to defend myths with a halberd simply looks ridiculous, for they cannot replace reality.__The putative architect of this initiative claims that it will ward off all adversity, ethnic __impoverishment, the threat of Europeanisation, and even wars from our country. That is a blatant untruth. We are not an island!__He deliberately fails to mention that, thanks to his policies, Switzerland pays billions to Europe every year and that we are able to participate in the market. After all, they are not his billions. For these reasons, this initiative must be firmly rejected.

Die Schweiz ist neutral seit über 200 Jahren und ist damit zumeist gut gefahren. Wer etwas anderes behauptet, lügt oder verfolgt Eigeninteressen. Die Schweiz ist ein moderner, innovativer Staat, der erfolgreich mit seinen Nachbarn zusammenlebt, gemeinsame Ziele verfolgt und dank der sprachlichen Vielfalt auf Augenhöhe verhandelt. Die fachliche und kulturelle Zuwanderung erwirkte Reformen und Veränderungen, die mithalfen, die Schweiz auf ein international hohes Niveau zu bringen.__Trotzdem, zu uns gehört auch eine Geschichte, die nicht ohne Mythen auskommt. Erzählungen, die dazu dienen, Ereignisse glaubhaft zu erklären. Das gilt für alle Völker auf der Welt. Aber der Versuch, Mythen mit der Hellebarde zu verteidigen, wirkt nur lächerlich, denn sie können keine Realitäten ersetzen.__Der mutmassliche Vater dieser Initiative behautet, damit alles Ungemach, die ethnische __Verarmung, die drohende Europäisierung, ja sogar Kriege von unserem Land abzuwenden. Das ist eine krasse Unwahrheit. Wir sind kein Insel!__Dass die Schweiz dank seiner Politik jährlich Milliarden nach Europa bezahlen, dass wir am Markt teilnehmen können, verschweigt er geflissentlich. Es sind ja nicht seine Milliarden. Aus diesen Gründen ist diese Initiative wuchtig abzulehnen.

Ramon Maynou Ferreres
RamonMaynou
The following contribution has been automatically translated from ES.

I would like people to spend more time talking about peace in the future than about the wars of the past.__Nothing justifies a war in which some people are allowed to torture, rape, maim, rob and kill others with impunity at a particular time and in a particular place.__Saying ‘no to war’ is not enough; we must put forward proposals to prevent wars, but it seems that no one is interested in such proposals… people’s lives are of no interest; the only thing that matters is the big business of arms.__Decalogue for the defence of a neutral and peaceful country:__1. The country shall maintain a neutral stance towards external conflicts. __2. The country shall never send or deploy an army outside its territory.__3. The country shall never allow the establishment of a military base belonging to a foreign country.__4. The country shall never purchase weapons from foreign countries.__5. The country shall only manufacture weapons necessary to defend itself against possible aggression from other countries.__6. The country shall never sell weapons to foreign countries.__7. The country shall abolish torture and the death penalty under all circumstances.__8. The country shall promote peace by removing political history and denominational religion from the education system.__9. The country shall prohibit the funding of manufacturers of military equipment. __10. In the event of a declaration of war, soldiers may refuse to obey orders and use weapons outside their own country. __https://polideas.eu/defensa-europea/

Me gustaría que las personas dedicaran más tiempo en hablar de la paz en el futuro que de las guerras del pasado.__Nada justifica una guerra donde unas personas se las permite torturar, violar, mutilar, robar y matar impunemente a otras personas durante un tiempo y en un lugar determinado.__Decir «no a la guerra» no basta, hay que hacer propuestas para que no hayan guerras, pero parece que las propuestas no interesan… las vidas de las personas no interesan, solo interesa el gran negocio de las armas.__Decálogo de defensa de un país neutral y pacífico:__1.- El país mantendrá una posición neutral ante los conflictos exteriores. __2.- El país nunca enviará ni dispondrá de ejercito fuera del territorio del país.__3.- El país nunca admitirá la instalación de una base militar de un país extranjero.__4.- El país nunca podrá comprar armas de países extranjeros.__5.- El país sólo fabricarán armas que permitan defenderse de las posibles agresiones de otros países.__6.- El país nunca podrá vender armas a países extranjeros.__7.- El país abolirá la tortura y la pena de muerte en toda circunstancia.__8.- El país fomentará la paz, eliminando la historia política y la religión confesional en la educación.__9.- El país prohibirá la financiación de los productores de material de guerra. __10.- En una declaración de guerra los soldados podrán negarse a obedecer ordenes y usar las armas fuera de su país. __https://polideas.eu/defensa-europea/

A
Auswandern
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.

Naturally, neutrality should be upheld; otherwise, you must accept that future generations will be dragged into wars because of a lapse in judgement on the part of a few overzealous EU officials. This responsibility cannot be brushed aside.

Selbstverständlich sollte die Neutralität hochgehalten werden oder nehmen Sie in kauf das spätere Generationen wegen einem Überlegungsfehler einiger EU Turbos in Kriege hereingezogen werden. Diese Verantwortung lässt sich nicht wegwischen.

Giannis Mavris
Giannis Mavris SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@Auswandern

According to this line of reasoning, would it mean that Switzerland, through the way it shapes its neutrality, determines whether there is war or peace? I believe this rather overestimates the significance of Swiss neutrality in international politics.

Nach dieser Logik hiesse es, dass die Schweiz durch die Gestaltung ihrer Neutralität über Krieg oder Frienden entscheiden würde? Ich glaube so wird die Bedeutung der Schweizer Neutralität für die internationale Politik ziemlich überhöht.

P
Pierrot
The following contribution has been automatically translated from FR.

The concept of neutrality has long since shown its limitations and no longer serves any purpose today. We are already setting a very sad example of what it means to be neutral by manufacturing and selling weapons that, in principle, should be collector’s items, as they must under no circumstances be used in the event of armed conflict. Let’s turn a blind eye; let’s be neutral, then. We need Europe for our security; the banks may not always be there to help us. Let us have the courage to denounce the crimes of this world, without hiding behind this notion of neutrality.

La notion de neutralité a déjà depuis longtemps démontré ses limites et n’a plus de raison d’être aujourd’hui. Nous donnons déjà un bien triste exemple sur le fait d’être neutre en fabriquant et vendant des armes qui en principe devraient être des pièces pour collectionneurs, puisse qu’elles ne doivent surtout pas servir en cas de conflit armé. Fermons les yeux, soyons donc neutres. Nous avons besoin de l’Europe pour notre sécurité, les banques ne serviront peut être pas toujours. Ayons le courage de dénoncer les crimes de ce monde, sans se cacher derrière cette vision de la neutralité.

dario giandeini
Dario Giandeini
The following contribution has been automatically translated from IT.

Reading through the many comments, it is clear that, as with other issues, there is a divide between the CF and the general public. These are two spheres that are no longer able to communicate, each operating on a level that cannot and will not converge. The Federal Council pursues economic objectives, whilst the general public lives in the real world, made up of the little things they have to deal with on a daily basis, far removed from the geopolitical chessboard. The general public is bewildered. Confidence in the Federal Council has never been so low. How should we interpret Mr Cassis’s speech broadcast by RSI/SSR? He used arguments and terms that relegate the public to a group of ignorant people who fail to grasp the Federal Council’s vision. It seems that not even the Federal Council is united in its stance against accepting the terms of the proposal put to the vote.

Leggendo i molti commenti si può evincere che come per altri temi, esiste una spaccatura tra CF e popolazione. Due livelli che non riescono più a comunicare, che pensano su due livelli che non riescono e non possono incontrarsi. Il CF persegue obiettivi di tipo economica, mentre la popolazione vive nel mondo reale fatto di piccole cose, da affrontare giornalmente e lontane dalla scacchiera geopolitica. La popolazione è disorientata. La fiducia nel CF non è mai stata così bassa. Come capire il discorso mandato in onda da RSI/SSR del signor Cassis? Ha utilizzato argomenti e termini che relega la popolazione a un gruppo di ignoranti che non capiscono l'illuminazione del CF. Sembra che nemmeno il CF sia unito nella sua proposta di non accettare i termini della proposta in votazione.

Giannis Mavris
Giannis Mavris SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@Dario Giandeini

You are certainly right that the discussions are controversial and that there are differing views. However, it is not true that confidence in the Federal Council has “never been so low”.__Quite the opposite, as we recently wrote: “Confidence in the Swiss government remained stable, with 62 per cent of the population expressing high or moderate levels of confidence.” Read more here: https://www.swissinfo.ch/ita/democrazia-svizzera/fiducia-ai-massimi-livelli-perché-gli-altri-paesi-non-guardano-alla-svizzera/91750814

Sie haben sicher recht, dass die Diskussionen kontrovers sind und unterschiedliche Ansichten herrschen. Allerdings stimmt es nicht, dass das Vertrauen in den Bundesrat "noch nie so tief war".__Ganz im Gegenteil, wie wir kürzlich schrieben: "Das Vertrauen in die Schweizer Regierung blieb stabil bei 62% der Bevölkerung mit hohem oder moderatem Vertrauen." Hier nachzulesen: https://www.swissinfo.ch/ita/democrazia-svizzera/fiducia-ai-massimi-livelli-perché-gli-altri-paesi-non-guardano-alla-svizzera/91750814

M
Mohler
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@Dario Giandeini

Unfortunately, Mr Cassis, a member of the Federal Council, is spouting empty platitudes about neutrality that have been dictated to him by the administration.

Leider schwadroniert Herr BR Cassis mit inhaltsleeren Allgemeinplätzen betreffend Neutralität, die ihm die Verwaltung vorgegeben hat.

S
Sam.Washington

It's for the Switzerland's people to decide whether to allow themselves to be exposed and tolerate the intolerable.____It is not 1815, unfortunately, anymore.____Wars are not fought with conventional weapons anymore. It's the nuclear era and threat. And what are you doing when some drones invade your restricted space violating your rights? Hard feelings are no defense. And the defense of the people, country, integrity and sovereignty prevail.____Things move fast, militarily. The risk of being taken by surprise offsets the well known and appreciated neutrality. Switzerland will always be known for its peaceful, neutral, low profile, minde its own business attitude. Weather it takes sides or not. It's diplomacy and approach will help considerably.____At this time Switzerland is closer to join the EU. No army, no income, no constitution, no division/balance of government powers. ____The best solution for the integrated countries and Switzerland with the waiting applicants is the passage to the final step of the integration process, the formation of the United States of Europe with its own constitution, army, federal revenue, citizenship per se.____It will be facilitate the NATO membership too with an United States of Europe Central command and sufficient internal resources.____A la guerre, comme à la guerre.

Giannis Mavris
Giannis Mavris SWI SWISSINFO.CH
The following contribution has been automatically translated from DE.
@Sam.Washington

Thank you for your contribution. But the suggestion that Switzerland is on the verge of joining the EU is completely wrong. There is no application to join, and every opinion poll shows that the vast majority of the Swiss population does not want this at present.

Danke für Ihren Beitrag. Aber dass die Schweiz kurz davor ist, in der EU einzutreten, ist total falsch. Es gibt kein Beitrittsgesuch, und jede Umfrage zeigt, dass die Schweizer Bevölkerung es zurzeit in grosser Mehrheit nicht will.

L
Luthero
The following contribution has been automatically translated from IT.
@Sam.Washington

In effect, you, Mr… are setting out an exhaustive list of how to do away with neutrality once and for all, along with everything that follows from it.__Tell us which lobby you’re plotting on behalf of – it’s not hard to guess.

Praticamente lei signor.. sta elencando una lista esaustiva di come liquidare una volta per tutte la neutralitá con tutto con quello che ne consegue.__Ci dica per quale lobby sta tramando che è meglio, ma non è difficile fare delle ipotesi.

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR