Swiss neutrality vote set for defeat, polls show

Swiss voters appear likely to reject a proposal to tighten the country's neutrality rules in a September 27 popular vote, according to two opinion polls.

An SSR public broadcaster poll published Friday found 54% of eligible voters opposed the initiative, 42% supported it and 4% were undecided. The survey was conducted by the gfs.bern institute among more than 17,000 people.

A separate Tamedia poll published this week showed 62% opposed and 36% in favour.

The initiative would write a stricter definition of Swiss neutrality into the constitution. It calls for neutrality to be “armed and perpetual” and applied “permanently and without exception”. It would bar most sanctions unless called for by the United Nations, prevent closer ties with NATO and rule out any military alliance unless Switzerland is attacked.

The Swiss government, parliament and nearly all major parties oppose the proposal, saying it would limit Switzerland's foreign policy and security flexibility. The Swiss People's Party supports the initiative.