Switzerland will vote on 10 June on a proposal by the far-right Swiss People’s Party (SVP) to cap the population at 10 million. The initiative, opposed by parliament and business leaders, could jeopardise key agreements with the European Union and harm the economy, critics say.
It would require the government to restrict immigration if the population exceeds 9.5 million, including limiting asylum seekers and family reunifications. If the population reaches 10 million and does not decline, Switzerland would have to withdraw from its free-movement agreement with the EU.
Supporters argue rapid population growth—driven by immigration and economic success—has increased pressure on housing and public services, with foreign nationals making up about 27% of residents. Although only about 10% of popular initiatives pass, recent polling shows nearly half of voters support the proposal, highlighting deep divisions over immigration.
Geneva
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