The Neutrality Initiative
The neutrality initiative:
Decisive for the future of Switzerland
Without neutrality, Switzerland's history would have been different. For the past 200 years, Europe has been plagued by strife and war. Neutrality has helped keep our country peaceful and independent in a variety of ways. It allows for solidarity with war victims, but prohibits solidarity with a warring party.
Watch video in english / Regardez la vidéo en français
What it is about:
8 topics of neutrality
When the neutrality initiative was passed with 130,000 signatures, it was immediately labeled a "Blocher" or even a "Putin" initiative in the NZZ and other leading media outlets. These labels are false: an attempt to discredit the popular initiative from the outset and without any substantive justification. This is unworthy of the objective debate surrounding a popular initiative. The future of neutrality is one of the most important decisions for Switzerland. The electorate has the final say on this. Partisan bickering and factionalism are out of place. This is a cross-party issue: Switzerland's future foreign and domestic policy positioning.
Who we are and what we want
As the Left and the Greens, we are committed to a neutrality oriented toward peace and reconciliation. This neutrality should enable Switzerland to continue to mediate constructively in crises and conflicts. The Neutrality Initiative gives this form of neutrality constitutional status, thus removing it from the arbitrary power of individual Federal Councilors. Read more
Verena Tobler
Licentiate, mediator, organisational consultant (1944)
Wolf Linder
Lawyer and political scientist (1944)
Pascal Lottaz
Political scientist (1985)
Timeo Antognini
Historian (1996)
What we can do
Inform
Our website provides basic information on neutrality and presents key arguments for the constitutional initiative.
Mobilise
We are one of many voices in the upcoming referendum campaign – but with the aim of conducting the discussion objectively and argumentatively.
Spread
We are and will remain non-partisan. We count on people who support our call – even beyond the initiative.
Network
We see new "neutrality" networks emerging in many places. We cooperate with all those who want to and share our concerns.
Prominent voices
Active neutrality
"Today, neutrality takes on the guise of impartiality, the neutrality of a judge applying the law. Such a meaning is not based on an alleged indifference, but in fact on a decision-making process. It paves the way for an active neutrality by aiming at the prevention and resolution of conflicts through a committed policy. But again, such an interpretation implies not participating in the conflicts or wars of others and renouncing violence. It does not force us to remain silent and indifferent, but on the contrary to rise up against blatant violations of international law."
Don't follow the madness of others
" After 1815, 1914 and 1939, neutrality is once again up for debate. Has Switzerland reached a crossroads in its history? A section of the elite claims that the Ukraine war marked the end of neutrality. They are calling for a reorientation, in particular with a rapprochement and probably membership of NATO.
The wars of the past reminded the Swiss how important it is not to follow the madness of others. Today, our ancestors expect us not to throw the tried and tested instrument of neutrality overboard, but to renew it and place it at the service of global peace and understanding. Neutrality not only has a glorious past, but also a promising future. It is counting on the Swiss of our generation. Let us live up to our history! "
Les dix commandements
Since 1996, our foreign policy has taken an increasingly Atlanticist turn, which is now evident in the options taken by the Federal Council with regard to Ukraine and Israel. Realpolitik" has been replaced by the "moraline" chère à Nietzsche. In a book to be published in 2025, I synthesise my reflections by proposing in conclusion the "six commands" of neutrality and the six reasons for maintaining it to our advantage.
Credible neutrality
"Neutrality depends on credibility. That is why Switzerland must pursue a policy in peace that allows it to be neutral in war. An alliance with the EU or close cooperation with a military alliance such as NATO is not compatible with credible neutrality."
Anchoring neutrality in the constitution
"The principle of "security at home, peace promotion abroad" has characterised Switzerland for centuries, giving it stability and securing its reputation in the world. It is the right time to enshrine neutrality in the constitution as a guiding principle for the future of our country."
Un element indispensable
"Neutrality is an indispensable element of Switzerland's soft power. Without it, we would become an inutile nation."
From the media
Switzerland continues to rely on armed neutrality – a wise approach?
"From the Swiss perspective: yes. Unlike Austria, Switzerland did not massively dismantle its military structures after the Cold War. Of course, there are deficits here too, but the starting position is better. In Austria, people are hoping for NATO, as former Chancellor Nehammer said: "We know that NATO will defend us." I rarely hear this free-rider mentality from Switzerland. Therefore: armed neutrality remains sensible – especially because Switzerland does not have Russia right on its doorstep like Finland, for example."
Interview with security expert Carlos Masala.
Source: Der Bund
Negotiations between China and the USA in Geneva on tariff reduction
US Treasury Secretary Bessent "expresses on behalf of the government his high appreciation for Swiss neutrality. Switzerland creates an incredibly conducive atmosphere for negotiations" (Commerce Secretary Greer).
Source: Die Weltwoche
Donate
We are happy to accept your donation to cover the costs of our website.
Our bank details
Postfinance IBAN:
CH83 0900 0000 1651 4154 0
Donate now easily via TWINT: Scan the QR code with your app.