Details
- Swiss voters rejected a proposal to limit the country’s population to 10 million, with 54.8% voting against the measure and 45.2% supporting it.
- Turnout was about 59%, according to reported results.
- The referendum was launched by the right-wing Swiss People’s Party, which argued that rapid population growth was straining housing, transport, public services and the environment.
- Switzerland’s population has grown from 7.3 million in 2002 to about 9.1 million today, with foreign nationals accounting for roughly 27% of residents.
- Under the proposal, the government would have been required to introduce restrictions once the population reached 9.5 million.
- Those restrictions could have affected residency permits, family reunification and asylum.
- If the population exceeded 10 million, Switzerland could have been forced to terminate its free movement agreement with the European Union.
- Ending free movement could have threatened Switzerland’s access to the EU single market, a major concern for business groups and employers.
- The Swiss government, major political parties, trade unions and business groups opposed the initiative, warning it could harm the economy and national stability.
- Employers warned that curbing immigration could worsen labour shortages in sectors including healthcare, tourism, hotels and elderly care.
- Justice Minister Beat Jans welcomed the result, describing it as a vote for stability, openness and reliability.
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also welcomed the result, saying the EU and Switzerland share deep ties and a strong partnership.
- Urban areas and tourism-dependent regions voted strongly against the proposal, reflecting concerns over access to foreign workers and economic competitiveness.
- The Swiss People’s Party said the result did not solve concerns over population growth, housing pressure and public services.
What Else
The vote removes an immediate threat to Switzerland’s relationship with the EU, but immigration, housing costs and infrastructure pressure are likely to remain major political issues. The SVP’s defeat does not end the debate over population growth, especially as businesses warn Switzerland still depends on foreign workers.
