A plan to restrict the country’s population to a maximum of 10 million has been defeated. It was proposed by a far-right political party.
On Sunday, Swiss voters rejected a measure aimed at capping the Alpine nation’s population at 10 million by the year 2050.
Final results released by public broadcaster SRF indicate the proposal was turned down with 54.8% opposing it and 45.2% in support.
Under Switzerland’s system of direct democracy, referendums are generally legally binding.
The initiative was introduced by the Swiss People’s Party (SVP), which holds the largest number of seats in the Swiss parliament.
Switzerland’s current population stands at 9.1 million.
Contentious population initiative
Supporters of the SVP’s proposal argue that immigration to Switzerland, where foreigners account for over 25% of the population, has led to overcrowding in the small nation and strained public services.
Critics, however, contend that its adoption would result in numerous negative consequences.
Among these, the business community has raised concerns that it could terminate the free movement of labor between Switzerland and the EU, its primary trade partner.
The proposal specifies that if the population surpasses 10 million for more than two years before 2050, the agreement with the EU should be abandoned.
Other opponents of the measure express fears of a shortage of healthcare or care workers if immigration is restricted.
Switzerland votes on whether to cap its population
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Edited by: Roshni Majumdar
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