Swiss physician and politician; Federal Councillor since 2017; head of FDFA; 2022 President of the Confederation.
The Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani has died at 74. Officials declare days of mourning; tens of thousands attend funeral prayers in Doha before burial at Lusail Cemetery. Sheikh Hamad abdicated in 2013, leaving a legacy of rapid development and international influence.
Voters have rejected a plan to enshrine a narrowly defined, “perpetual and armed” neutrality in the Swiss constitution, defeating the far-right SVP-backed initiative. Projections show a majority backed preserving flexible neutrality, allowing sanctions and NATO cooperation as needed. Outcome preserves government discretion amid evolving European security pressures.
Voters have rejected a proposal to enshrine a perpetual, armed neutrality in the Swiss constitution, with more than 70% voting against. The measure would have barred closer ties with NATO and participation in sanctions unless mandated by the UN. Government and major parties opposed the move, arguing it would limit Switzerland’s room to maneuver amid geopolitical tensions.