Foreign press criticises Swiss neutrality in Ukraine war
The international media has been critical of Switzerland’s political neutrality in relation to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a study of news headlines has found.
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Imprensa estrangeira critica neutralidade suíça na guerra da Ucrânia
Switzerland was at first hesitant to apply sanctions to Russia but eventually mirrored those of the European Union. Despite criticising Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Alpine state has insisted on a neutral stance.
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For many years Switzerland was able to increase its prosperity discreetly under the cover of neutrality. But times are changing.
“A number of reports, especially in the European press, were critical of Switzerland,” said the foreign ministry agency Presence Switzerland on Thursday.
“Neutrality was associated more strongly with Switzerland than in previous years, with responses tending to be more critical.”
But Presence Switzerland found that public perception in 18 other countries was often more favourable than press coverage.
“Switzerland’s landscape, traditional products such as chocolate, cheese and watches, its financial services sector, a strong and stable economy, wealth and a high standard of living featured highly in people’s responses,” it concluded.
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