Switzerland to Vote Nov. 26 on Whether to Abolish Its Army
The Swiss will vote Nov. 26 on whether to abolish their army, the government announced Tuesday.
It is highly unlikely the conservative nation will decide to discard its well-armed forces, which it regards as a necessary bulwark against any attempt to infringe on its neutrality, according to political analysts.
But any group of citizens can force a referendum on any subject, and 111,300 signatures demanding one on “Switzerland without an army” were filed in Bern in September, 1986.
The Council of Ministers, which has recommended a “no” vote, has now set the date for the vote, Vice Chancellor Achille Casanova said.
Supporters of the referendum insist Europe has been peaceful for decades and that the Swiss army is unnecessary.
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