Europe shocked by the move: the neutral country may draw closer to Russia again

Billionaire Christoph Blocher is leading a campaign for a constitutional change that would tighten Switzerland's neutrality, following sanctions on Russia. The government opposes the move and warns of harm to political flexibility. Blocher claims Switzerland has become a 'warring party' against a nuclear power due to the violation of neutrality.

Swiss billionaire Christoph Blocher is leading a broad campaign for a constitutional change that would tighten the definition of Switzerland's neutrality, following the sanctions it imposed on Russia. Blocher has invested two million francs (about $2.5 million) of his own money in the campaign, which includes collecting signatures. The Swiss government opposes the move and warns of harm to the country's political flexibility. The public debate reflects deep identity questions: the Swiss right fears losing national uniqueness, while opponents call the proposal a 'pro-Putin initiative,' as its approval would force Bern to cancel sanctions on Moscow. Blocher argues that due to the violation of neutrality, Switzerland has effectively become a warring party against a nuclear power. The Kremlin claims Switzerland is no longer neutral.