Swiss Voters Reject 10 Million Population Cap as 55% Oppose SVP Initiative
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jun 14
Swiss Voters Reject 10 Million Population Cap as 55% Oppose SVP Initiative
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jun 14
Summary
About 55% of Swiss voters opposed the Swiss People’s Party plan to cap the population at 10 million, according to broadcaster SRF’s referendum projection.
The proposal would have forced the government to curb family reunification, residency permits and asylum once the population hit 9.5 million, and to quit free movement with the EU if 10 million was exceeded before 2050.
Pollster Urs Bieri said voters feared damage to EU ties and the labour market, including shortages of care and health workers, even as concern over population growth remained widespread.
Switzerland’s population has risen 23% since free movement with the EU began in 2002 to 9.1 million today, while economic output increased about 24%; the government and business groups warned the cap would hurt stability and prosperity.