Swiss government: referendum result does not mean rejection of neutrality

 Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis stated that the result of this Sunday's referendum does not represent a rejection of the country's neutrality. 

"This result is not a vote against neutrality. Switzerland was neutral yesterday, is neutral today, and will remain so in the future," declared the top diplomat, as cited by local media.

Cassis noted that there is no stricter interpretation of neutrality within the Constitution. "Our neutrality was never rigid," he pointed out, explaining that in certain periods it has been more restrictive, while in others it has been more open to cooperation. The goal, according to the minister, has always been to ensure the country's security.

 The preliminary vote count indicates that 70% of Swiss citizens voted against tightening the constitutional principle of neutrality. Switzerland's neutrality has been enshrined in the Federal Constitution since 1848; consequently, the country is not currently a member of any military or defense alliance, including NATO.

"The debate has shown just how deeply neutrality resonates with Switzerland. It is part of our identity," Cassis concluded.