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Position of the Bundesrat

Result of the vote on 27 September 2026

The Neutrality Initiative was rejected on 27 September 2026 by 70.15% No to 29.85% Yes. All 26 cantons rejected it; the cantonal vote was 0 to 23.

Provisional official final result · Data as of 27 September 2026, 16:12 (Europe/Zurich).

Result Votes Share
Yes 789’130 29.85%
No 1’854’767 70.15%

Turnout: 47.06%.

The proposed Article 54a will therefore not be added to the Federal Constitution. The background and arguments below document the debate before the vote.

FSO: official voting result

Summary: The Bundesrat recommends rejection of the Neutrality Initiative. In its dispatch of 27 November 2024, it argues that a rigid understanding of neutrality is not in Switzerland's interest and would inappropriately restrict the room for manoeuvre in foreign policy.

1. The Dispatch of 27 November 2024

On 27 November 2024, the Bundesrat published its dispatch on the Neutrality Initiative with the recommendation No, without counter-proposal [1][2].

2. Core Arguments of the Bundesrat

2.1 A Rigid Understanding of Neutrality Is Not Expedient

The Bundesrat argues that a constitutionally fixed, rigid understanding of neutrality would inappropriately restrict the room for manoeuvre in a rapidly changing security situation [1].

2.2 Sanctions Ban Is Problematic

The current sanctions against Russia would no longer be possible if the initiative were accepted. The Bundesrat sees this as a risk for Switzerland's international standing and the financial centre [1].

2.3 175 Years of Flexible Neutrality Have Proven Their Worth

The deliberately flexible interpretation of neutrality has enabled Switzerland to adapt to changing circumstances -- from the League of Nations through the Cold War to the present [1].

3. Quotes

Bundesratlor Ignazio Cassis (as of March 2026):

"Switzerland is, was and remains neutral. Precisely because it is reliable and adaptable, it is strong. Fossilisation would undermine its strength." [3]

4. Why No Counter-proposal?

The Bundesrat refrained from its own counter-proposal. The Ständerat did draft a counter-proposal (neutrality as constitutional principle, but without sanctions ban), but this failed due to opposition from the Nationalrat (see Parliamentary Proceedings) [4].

5. Counter-position of the Supporters

The initiative committee counters the Bundesrat's arguments [5]: Note: Position paper of the initiative committee

  • "Flexibility" in practice means that the Bundesrat changes neutrality policy without democratic legitimation.
  • The sanctions decision of 28 February 2022 was a Bundesrat decision without a popular vote.
  • 87% of the population support neutrality -- the initiative implements this popular will.

References

[1] Bundesrat (2024). Media release: Bundesrat recommends rejection of Neutrality Initiative.
Swiss Bundesrat. [Open Access]

[2] SRF (2024). Bundesrat rejects Neutrality Initiative.
Swiss Radio and Television. [Open Access]

[3] NZZ (2025). Ignazio Cassis defends flexible neutrality.
Neue Zuercher Zeitung. [Open Access]

[4] swissinfo.ch (2026). Counter-proposal to Neutrality Initiative is off the table.
SWI swissinfo.ch. [Open Access]

[5] neutralitaet-ja.ch (2024). Argumentarium.
Initiative committee. [Open Access] Note: Position paper of the initiative committee

Political update: 6 September 2026; background reference: March 2026