Switzerland votes on proposal to cap population at 10 million
Swiss voters have rejected a right-wing proposal to limit the country's population to 10 million, avoiding potential economic disruption and a clash with the European Union
Swiss voters on Sunday rejected a highly controversial proposal to cap the country's population at 10 million before the year 2050. Nearly 55 percent of participants voted against the initiative, which was put forward by the right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP). The proposal was driven by growing concerns over immigration, rising housing costs, and pressure on public services and infrastructure.[1][2]
The referendum had been likened to Britain's Brexit vote due to its potential to disrupt Switzerland's relationship with the European Union. The Alpine nation's population currently stands at 9.1 million, and official projections had put it on track to exceed 10 million by the early 2040s. Opponents of the measure had warned it could cause economic "chaos" and severely damage Bern's ties with Brussels.[1][2][3]
Under the proposed constitutional change, reaching the 10 million mark would have triggered a process forcing Switzerland to scrap its free movement of labor agreement with the EU. This agreement is vital for the Swiss economy, as EU member states supply a large portion of the country's workforce. While early polls suggested the initiative might pass, public opinion ultimately turned against the measure in the final weeks leading up to the vote.[1]
