The proposal aimed to protect infrastructure, housing, and local employment in the face of migratory growth
The most sensitive point was the relationship with the European Union. If the population exceeded 10 million for two consecutive years, Switzerland would have to terminate the free movement agreement with the European bloc, a decision that could lead to a serious diplomatic and trade conflict with Brussels.
Swiss citizens rejected on Sunday in a referendum the proposal put forward by the Swiss People's Party to set a demographic limit of 10 million inhabitants, an initiative aimed at curbing population growth and tightening immigration policy in response to pressure on housing, infrastructure, public services, and overall quality of life.
According to projections released by the national broadcaster SRF and results reported by local media, around 55% of voters opposed the measure, while nearly 45% supported the “yes”. Although the initiative did not achieve the necessary majority, the result highlighted that a significant part of Swiss society shares concerns about the impact of mass immigration and accelerated population growth.
The proposal, known as the “sustainability initiative,” stated that the country's population should not exceed 10 million inhabitants before 2050. If Switzerland reached 9.5 million before that date, the Government would be obliged to impose restrictions on asylum, family reunification, and residence permits.
This scenario was used by the federal government, Parliament, and a large part of the business sector along with the left to oppose the measure. Opponents of the initiative warned that a break with the European Union could affect the labor market, trade, and sectors that depend on foreign workers, such as health and services.
However, the Swiss People's Party defended the proposal arguing that the country is already facing increasing pressure on housing, transportation, social programs, natural resources, and local ways of life. Since 2002, when Switzerland and the European Union relaxed the movement of workers, the Swiss population has grown significantly, reaching about 9.1 million inhabitants.
Although the referendum was rejected, the 45% obtained by the “yes” confirms that the discussion is far from over. Switzerland did not approve the demographic limit, but the discontent over immigration and pressure on public services has become one of the major issues on the European political agenda.
