Switzerland LOSES referendum to protect sovereignty opening nation up to MORE EU rules

Swiss voters opted to reject a bid to give the country’s laws priority over international law in a referendum on Sunday. A total of 66 percent of voters voted against the “Swiss law, not foreign judges” proposal, supported the right-wing Swiss People’s Party (SVP). The measure called for an addition to the national constitution giving it clear precedence over the thousands of international agreements Switzerland has with other countries.

The new provision would mean that if there was a clash between Swiss and international laws, the international agreement would have to be amended or scrapped.

The referendum comes after years of debate in Switzerland over the country’s sovereignty.

Those in support of the change insisted that Switzerland’s sovereignty was being weakened by international agreements.

They argued that the nation’s tradition of direct democracy, which sees its citizens take part in referendums, was under threat.

The SVP – Switzerland’s largest party in the Swiss Parliament – said the measure would free the country from the interference of the EU and other international bodies.

But the Swiss government, business groups and most other parties opposed the measure, claiming it would force the country to cancel treaties, weaken human rights protection and damage the economy.

Justice Minister Simonetta Sommaruga said the Swiss cabinet was pleased with the result.

Ms Sommaruga said: “The institutions are set up so there is a balance of power, and compromises must be made. Nobody can decide everything.

“All or nothing, black or white; that is not what has made Switzerland so successful.”

Jan Atteslander, of business lobby group Economiesuisse, added that a vote in favour of the measure could have harmed the country’s economy.

Mr Atteslander said: “We have to stick to our words internationally and be a good and reliable partner in good times and bad times.”