Activists in Switzerland initiate a referendum on waiving sanctions against Russia

The country’s largest party – the Swiss People’s Party – has started to implement an initiative to preserve Switzerland’s neutrality. The party calls for changes to the country’s constitution, stating that “it is forbidden to join any military alliances, as well as to prohibit imposing or joining sanctions against any regimes”. An exception is allowed only if the mandate to impose sanctions is given by the UN Security Council.

The activists’ petition managed to collect more than 130 thousand signatures, and it was handed over to government representatives in Bern. The former member of the Swiss Parliament, Walter Wobman, is one of the co-authors of the initiative. He told the Blick newspaper that “perpetual neutrality is the model that allows Switzerland to be at peace.

“Thanks to this, we have lived without wars for more than 200 years. Neutrality, which works only in certain cases, is not permissible,” said Wobman.

The Swiss People’s Party has condemned attempts to abandon Switzerland’s neutrality. The organization states: “If all countries did as Switzerland does, there would be no wars.”

Bern imposed sanctions against Moscow shortly after the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The country has joined the restrictions and sanctions imposed by European countries several times. Switzerland has also joined the 13th package of sanctions of the European Union, which is the latest set of sanctions against Russia.

This list includes 106 individuals and 88 legal entities that have helped to strengthen Russia’s military and technological sector or have helped to develop Russia’s defense sector.

Also, the European Union has expanded the list of goods that are prohibited for export to Russia. It includes components that can be used to manufacture combat drones, as well as electrical transformers and static converters. Supplies of aluminum capacitors are also prohibited.

According to the data of the Council of Europe, in March 2024, sanctions against Russia affected more than 2,000 individuals and legal entities.