GENEVA, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Swiss voters on Sunday strongly rejected a right-wing proposal in a referendum to put the Swiss constitution above international law that would have meant renegotiating many treaties, with a 66.2 percent no vote recorded, results showed.
The initiative put forward by the rightwing People's Party (SVP) for "Swiss law instead of foreign judges," was rejected Sunday by a majority of Switzerland's 26 cantons, the official results showed.
Justice Minister Simonetta Sommaruga said in reaction to the result that "Voters do not want a rigid system which could create problems with international treaties."
Local media reported that the business community also welcomed the result saying voters wanted "a country open to the outside world."
A yes vote would have forced Switzerland to renegotiate countless treaties, including texts on human rights, child rights, environmental laws and on trade.
Under the so-called "Swiss law first" proposal, the powers of the government, parliament, as well as the courts, would have been restricted. International accords which are not in line with the Swiss constitution would have been canceled or be subject to new negotiations.
Those opposing the initiative, which included the Swiss government and the business community, warned that its approval would create legal uncertainty, thereby undermining Switzerland's position as a reliable partner.
