Swiss reject tighter neutrality rules in referendum backed by right-wing populist party

Swiss voters overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to enshrine a stricter definition of neutrality into their constitution on Sunday. The initiative, championed by a hard-right party and criticized by opponents as "pro-Russian," was defeated by 70.1% of voters. While Swiss citizens generally support neutrality, the referendum revealed significant disagreement on its interpretation. Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis stated that the outcome was not a rejection of neutrality itself. The vote took place in Switzerland, with final results announced by the government.