Keystone-SDA
While it has already refused the initiative on neutrality, Parliament remains divided on the direct counter-proposal. The Council of States wants one, unlike the National. Both Chambers maintained their positions on Wednesday. The file goes to conciliation.
(Keystone-ATS) The popular initiative “Safeguard Swiss neutrality”, tabled by Pro Suisse and members of the UDC, wants to describe Swiss neutrality as “perpetual and armed”. It also requires that Switzerland not join any military or defense alliance, nor take economic or diplomatic sanctions against a belligerent state, subject to its obligations to the UN.
From the outset, the Chambers categorically refused the initiative. However, that of the cantons has always positioned itself in favor of a direct counter-project, on close votes. At the end of the morning, she revised her version, to “take a step towards the National Council”, according to Senator Benedikt Würth (Center/SG).
The article stipulating that the Confederation uses neutrality to guarantee the independence and security of the country, to prevent and contribute to resolving conflicts has been deleted. Only the “perpetual and armed” neutrality of Switzerland must be enshrined in the Constitution.
At the National, later in the day, the UDC tried once again to have its initiative accepted, in vain. She supported the senators’ counter-proposal as an alternative. Some elected officials from the Center, the PLR and the PVL were also in favor.
Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis was opposed to it. He won his case by 107 votes to 80.
