Key facts
- Swiss voters rejected a referendum to cap the country's population below 10 million by 2050.
- Preliminary projections showed approximately 55% of voters opposed the measure, with 45% in favor.
- The proposal, championed by the Swiss People's Party (SVP), aimed to curb immigration.
- A rejection means Switzerland will likely maintain its freedom of movement agreement with the European Union.
- The current Swiss population is 9.1 million and is forecast to reach 10 million by the early 2040s.
Swiss voters have rejected a referendum proposal to cap the country's population at 10 million by 2050, with early projections indicating approximately 55% of voters opposed the measure and 45% in favor. The initiative, championed by the right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP), aimed to curb immigration.
The likely rejection means Switzerland will maintain its freedom of movement accord with the European Union, its primary trading partner, thus avoiding potential economic disruption. The proposal stipulated that if the population exceeded 10 million for two consecutive years before 2050, Switzerland would have to scrap the agreement. This accord allows citizens of both Switzerland and EU countries to live and work in each other's territories.
Official projections show Switzerland's population, currently at 9.1 million, is expected to reach 10 million by the early 2040s. Despite the likely defeat, the substantial backing for the measure reflects growing anti-immigration sentiment across Europe.
Opponents, including the Swiss government and business sectors, had warned that passing the initiative could lead to economic chaos and severely damage Bern's relationship with Brussels. They cited potential upheaval for Swiss companies and workers and questioned the wisdom of clashing with the EU.