Switzerland To Vote On Capping Population At 10 Million

On June 10, Switzerland will vote in a nationwide referendum on a proposal by the Swiss People's Party (SVP) to cap the country’s population at 10 million. The initiative, titled “No to a 10 Million Switzerland,” is strongly opposed by both chambers of parliament, the business and financial services community, and the government.

Under the proposal, the government and parliament would be required to take action once the permanent population exceeds 9.5 million. Switzerland’s current population stands at 9.1 million. Proposed measures include denying entry to newcomers, including asylum seekers and family members of foreign residents. If the population reaches 10 million, further restrictions would automatically take effect.

The proposal would also require the government to reconsider Switzerland’s participation in the free-movement agreement with the European Union (EU). The SVP says the initiative is necessary due to rising immigration. According to government figures, around 30% of the country’s population are not Swiss citizens. The party argues that continued immigration has increased pressure on infrastructure and housing. It also cites what it describes as a rise in crime involving foreign nationals. Population growth has become a political flashpoint, with concerns over rising costs and limited resources.

The move is opposed by Switzerland’s collective head of state, the Federal Council, along with most political parties and business associations. Critics warn the proposal could harm the country’s labour force. They argue that without migration, Switzerland could face shortages in healthcare, public transport, hospitality and construction.

Switzerland holds referendums four times a year under its system of direct democracy. Any proposal backed by at least 100,000 signatures can be put to a nationwide vote as a “popular initiative.” However, only around one in ten such initiatives succeed. Opponents of the SVP proposal say breaking closer ties with Europe would damage Switzerland’s economy. Around half of the country’s exports go to the EU. Employers’ associations also note that population growth is driven not only by immigration but also by natural growth and increased life expectancy.

Alongside Switzerland, several EU countries — including Germany, Italy and France — have recently tightened immigration rules and strengthened border controls in response to high migration levels, housing pressures and political shifts.