Swiss voters have rejected a proposal to cap the country’s population at 10 million, turning down a plan that would have forced the government to limit immigration in the coming decades, according to Euro News.
In a nationwide referendum held on Sunday, nearly 53 percent of voters opposed the initiative, according to early results from the federal government. Voter turnout was strong, exceeding 57 percent, though final results from all 26 cantons were still being counted.
The proposal, backed by the right-wing Swiss People’s Party (SVP), aimed to slow population growth by 2050. If approved, it would have required strict measures to reduce immigration, including limits on asylum, family reunification, and residency permits. The government might also have been forced to reconsider its agreements with the European Union on the free movement of people.
Switzerland, though not a member of the EU, is closely tied to it through a series of agreements that support trade, travel, and economic cooperation. Critics warned that the proposal could damage these ties, with some describing it as a potential “Swiss Brexit.”
The country’s population has grown significantly in recent decades, rising to about 9.1 million people. Nearly one-third of residents are foreigners, many of whom work in key sectors such as healthcare, finance, technology, and pharmaceuticals. Supporters of the proposal argued that this growth has put pressure on housing, infrastructure, and public services.
However, opponents including the federal government, parliament, and major business groups said immigration is vital to Switzerland’s economy and cultural life. In Geneva, an international hub, about two-thirds of voters rejected the measure.
Public opinion reflected this divide. Some voters said they supported stricter controls to manage growth more carefully. Others argued that diversity strengthens the country and that limiting immigration could harm its future.
In a separate vote held the same day, Swiss voters approved changes to the Civilian Service Act, introducing six new measures to reform the system.
The outcome highlights Switzerland’s unique system of direct democracy, where citizens regularly vote on major national issues, shaping the country’s path through the ballot box.
