Key facts
- Swiss voters are deciding on a referendum to cap the country's population at 10 million.
- The proposal is backed by the Swiss People's Party, citing strains on infrastructure and resources.
- Critics warn of negative economic consequences and damage to EU relations.
- Passage would require the government to limit population growth by 2050.
- The referendum could lead to restrictions on immigration and potentially the end of the EU's free movement agreement.
Swiss voters are heading to the polls to decide on a significant referendum that could cap the nation's population at 10 million. The proposal, championed by the right-wing populist Swiss People's Party (SVP), aims to curb immigration, which supporters argue strains the country's infrastructure, housing, and resources. The SVP blames "mass immigration" for problems like housing shortages and overcrowded trains.
Conversely, critics and business associations warn that passing the initiative would be a "self-inflicted wound," potentially damaging Switzerland's economic prosperity and its crucial ties with the European Union, its largest trading partner. They contend that foreign workers provide essential labor in key sectors like healthcare, where they account for nearly half of all doctors. The federal government and Parliament also oppose the measure.
Since the agreement with the EU allowing free movement of people was introduced in 2002, the Swiss population has grown by around 1.7 million. If the referendum passes, Switzerland would need to begin reining in immigration as its population surpasses 9.5 million, which could happen in about four years. Should the population hit 10 million before 2050, the country would be required to withdraw from the EU's free movement agreement, potentially terminating other key pacts with Brussels.