Key facts
- Switzerland will vote on a proposal to cap its population at 10 million.
- The initiative is backed by the right-wing Swiss People's Party.
- Opponents warn the proposal could lead to labor shortages and damage relations with the EU.
- The current population of Switzerland is 9.1 million.
- If passed, the proposal could lead to the termination of the EU's free movement of people agreement.
- The proposal requires a majority of both voters and cantons to pass.
Switzerland is preparing to vote on a controversial proposal by the Swiss People's Party (SVP) to cap its population at 10 million. The SVP advocates for the initiative as a 'sustainability initiative' to alleviate pressure on housing, public services, and the environment, citing concerns over unchecked immigration.
However, the Swiss government, other major political parties, business leaders, and trade unions have strongly opposed the measure, labeling it a 'chaos initiative.' They argue that it would exacerbate labor shortages in critical sectors like healthcare and hospitality, and severely damage Switzerland's relationship with the European Union, potentially leading to isolation.
Switzerland's population has seen significant growth, reaching 9.1 million currently from 7.3 million in 2002, with foreign residents making up 27% of the population. Voters are reportedly concerned about issues such as overcrowded public transport, high apartment costs, and rising healthcare expenses. Recent opinion polls indicate a very close contest, with a slight majority currently leaning towards rejecting the proposal, though a substantial number of voters remain undecided.
The mechanics of implementing a hard population limit are unprecedented globally. The Swiss proposal suggests a cap of 10 million by 2050, with government action required once the population reaches 9.5 million. Potential measures include restricting asylum numbers and ending family reunification rights for foreign workers. A critical consequence of reaching the cap would be the termination of Switzerland's free movement agreement with the EU, a cornerstone of its relationship with the bloc.
Rudolf Minsch, chief economist at Economiesuisse, highlighted the importance of stable relations with the EU, Switzerland's primary trading partner. Employers are particularly worried about losing access to a European labor pool, with half of hotel workers and many in hospitals being foreign nationals. The SVP contends that limiting immigration would ease demand on public services, while opponents point to the need for young workers to support an aging population.
Concerns about international isolation are also prominent, with some voters recalling the impact of US tariffs on Swiss goods. Campaign posters have depicted global leaders like Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and Xi Jinping to warn against 'breaking with Europe' at a time of global instability. Proponents argue the initiative is about preserving Switzerland's quality of life, while opponents emphasize the need for investment in housing, working conditions, and public services rather than exclusion.