Switzerland to Vote on Capping Population at 10 Million
Swiss voters are set to decide on a proposal to cap the country's population at 10 million, a measure backed by the right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP). The referendum, scheduled for Sunday, would require the government to take action if the population reaches 9.5 million, including restrictions on asylum, family reunification, and residency permits. It could also force Switzerland to scrap its free movement agreement with the European Union. The proposal has sparked a heated debate, with supporters arguing that immigration strains infrastructure and public services, while opponents, including the federal government and business groups, warn of economic harm and damaged ties with the EU. Recent polling suggests a close contest. The SVP's Bernard Bapst dismissed concerns about security, claiming that 'various forms of criminality' have increased since open-border policies were adopted. Meanwhile, critics like Rene Schwok of the University of Geneva caution that a 'yes' vote would strain relations with Brussels. The outcome remains uncertain, with both sides making final appeals to voters.
Sources
2 quotes“Fiechter dismisses this as fearmongering, saying he is 'certain that the EU will not allow this to happen', and arguing that the agreements with Switzerland are 'entirely in the EU's own interest'.”
“A national vote on whether to cap Switzerland's population at 10 million in coming decades culminates with in-person balloting on Sunday. ... The federal government and Parliament oppose the idea. EconomieSuisse, a leading association of Swiss businesses, blasted it as an 'absurd proposal' that threatens Switzerland's security and prosperity.”