In a poll run for Switzerland’s public broadcaster, more than half of Swiss voters intend to reject a proposal to enshrine perpetual and armed neutrality in the constitution, A separate initiative on food policy remains too close to call.
The neutrality initiative, launched by Pro Suisse, would strengthen the constitutional basis of Swiss neutrality. If the vote had taken place in early August, 54% would have rejected it and 42% would have supported it, according to a survey by gfs.bern for the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SRG SSR), published on Friday.
The second proposal on the ballot, the “For Secure Food” initiative, is much tighter. It seeks to promote the production and consumption of plant-based food and to increase Switzerland’s degree of food self-sufficiency substantially. Some 47% of voters currently support it, compared with 49% who oppose it.
Neutrality initiative strongest in Italian-speaking Switzerland
Support for the neutrality initiative varies sharply by region. In Italian-speaking Switzerland, 55% back the proposal, making it the most receptive part of the country.
French-speaking Switzerland leans against it, with 43% in favour, 49% opposed and 8% undecided. German-speaking Switzerland is more clearly hostile: 57% say they intend to vote no.
Opposition is strongest in cities, where nearly six in ten voters favour keeping the current approach to neutrality. In suburban areas the race is almost even, with 49% in favour and 48% against. In rural areas, by contrast, the initiative commands a narrow majority.
Age also matters, though every age group currently leans towards rejection. Opposition is strongest among voters aged 65 and over, 60% of whom intend to vote no.
The biggest divide is by education. Among voters with lower levels of formal education, 59% support the initiative and 39% oppose it. Among those with a university education or equivalent qualification, the pattern is almost reversed: 38% are in favour and 58% against.
Food initiative splits left and right
The food initiative is backed by environmental campaigners and several civil-society organisations. But all the main political parties have recommended a no vote.
The Socialist Party, Greens and Green Liberals had supported a parliamentary counter-proposal. In its absence, however, they have joined the other major parties in opposing the initiative, arguing that it goes too far. Their voters are not necessarily following that advice. According to the poll, 84% of Green supporters, 64% of Social Democratic voters and 55% of Green Liberal supporters intend to vote yes.
Among centre-right and right-wing voters, opposition is much stronger. Nearly 70% of supporters of the Radical-Liberals say they will vote no.
The initiative’s main arguments appear to resonate widely. Its supporters say it would help protect drinking-water resources, preserve soil fertility and strengthen food self-sufficiency. Those arguments seem particularly effective in French-speaking Switzerland, where 57% support the proposal, and in Italian-speaking Switzerland, where 53% do. German-speaking Switzerland is more sceptical: 53% oppose the initiative and 44% support it.
Women and younger voters more supportive
Place of residence, age and sex also shape views on the food initiative. Rural voters are clearly opposed: 57% plan to vote no and 40% yes. In cities and intermediate areas the two camps are roughly level. Support falls with age. Among 18- to 39-year-olds, 54% back the initiative. Among voters aged 40-64, 51% oppose it; among those aged 65 and over, 54% do. There is also a marked gender gap. Some 56% of men intend to vote no, whereas 55% of women support the proposal.
Polling details
The first SRG SSR voting-intention survey for the September 27th 2026 ballot was conducted by gfs.bern between August 3rd and 16th. It surveyed 17,212 eligible voters. The margin of error is plus or minus 2.8 percentage points.
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gfs.bern poll results (in French) – Take a 5 minute French test now
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