A majority of the Swiss would support tougher sanctions against Russia, even if it leads to a shortage of oil and gas in Switzerland. They would also be in favor of freezing more funds, according to a LINK Institute poll released on Monday.
According to this survey, 57% of those questioned would be in favor of freezing all assets in Switzerland held by high-ranking Russians and government allies. They favor in the same proportion a decoupling of Russian banks from the Swiss financial market.
Negative impact on the financial situation
A majority (56%) is also in favor of tougher penalties, even if this has consequences for energy supply. More than 50% would still support them even if they involved a significant rise in energy prices or living costs. On the other hand, 58% of respondents would not want them if they led to a tax increase for defense costs.
Young people are less willing to make concessions than older generations. More than half of respondents believe that the attack on Ukraine will have a negative impact on their financial situation.
Good mark at the Federal Council
Among the new measures that could be taken, the control of exports of high-tech products and software to Russia is widely approved. An increase in the defense budget, on the other hand, only meets with 60% favorable opinions.
In general, a majority of the population approves of the Federal Council’s measures and believes that the sanctions taken so far are correct. Only the visa restrictions for Russians are not approved: a quarter of respondents believe that they go too far, a fifth that they are insufficient.
Yes to integration
Nearly three quarters of those questioned are also in favor of welcoming Ukrainian refugees. They show themselves ready to welcome a few tens of thousands in Switzerland.
The survey also shows that for 56% of respondents, Switzerland must remain neutral vis-à-vis Russia and Ukraine. Eight out of ten would like it to take on an active role as mediator. And 65% believe that Switzerland must fully implement EU sanctions against Russia.
Use of chemical weapons
A majority of all age groups are very concerned about the current situation. Nearly half (47%) consider it likely that Russia could use chemical weapons. But only 28% believe that nuclear weapons will be used (28%).
The survey was carried out throughout Switzerland from March 17 to 21, 2022 among more than 1,200 people aged 17 to 79.
Concurring Gallup Poll
Another poll by the Gallup International research institute, relayed by the Sonntagsblick, also indicates broad support from the Swiss for the sanctions. One in two people find them appropriate.
A third of the 1,000 people questioned are also in favor of tougher sanctions. And 61% fear that the sanctions will have negative consequences for the Swiss economy.