Switzerland held a referendum on Sunday to decide whether to implement a proposal that would cap the country’s population, a move compared to Britain’s Brexit vote, with potential significant impacts on its economy and its relationship with the European Union.
The initiative, driven by worries over immigration, strain on public services, and housing shortages, was proposed by the right-wing Swiss People’s Party (SVP). It aims to limit the population to no more than 10 million by 2050, with official forecasts indicating this threshold could be reached as early as the early 2040s.
This radical approach to legislating population limits aligns with a growing trend among Europe’s political right to tighten immigration controls, motivated by frustrations over rising costs of living, sluggish economic growth, and security concerns.
Helen Gulea, a 58-year-old seamstress and part-time kiosk worker in Zurich, originally from Kenya, expressed her support for the cap. She said, “If the population exceeds 10 million, it will get tight, and immigration should be restricted.” Voting results were expected to start emerging around noon.
If the proposal passes, reaching the 10 million mark would trigger steps that could lead Switzerland to revoke its free movement agreement with the EU, which provides the framework for much of the country’s labor force. Switzerland’s aging population has already surpassed 9 million, and public opinion appears to be closely divided. Recent polls indicated a shift against the measure, while earlier surveys suggested it could pass.
Patrick Leisibach, an immigration specialist at the think tank Avenir Suisse, noted widespread concern about overcrowding placing excessive pressure on public infrastructure. He added, “There’s a traditional anti-immigration vote on the right, but nowadays, many on the left are feeling the weight as well.”
Switzerland’s system of direct democracy means citizens vote on national referendums roughly four times annually, requiring a majority vote and support from a majority of cantons for approval. The government and parliament have urged voters to reject the so-called “sustainability initiative,” warning it could jeopardize Switzerland’s export-driven economy during a delicate period.
Johanna Alves, a 33-year-old student, voted against the proposal, worried about its possible repercussions. “I work in an international environment, and I fear it could be in danger if this passes. It would also be disastrous for our economy, healthcare, and research,” she said.
Last year, the U.S. under President Donald Trump imposed the highest tariffs on Swiss goods in Europe, highlighting how population policies could influence corporate planning. SVP lawmaker Thomas Matter argued that Switzerland’s rising prosperity hasn’t kept pace with increased immigration, and the country needs to slow things down.
Months before Trump’s return to power, Switzerland signed agreements with Brussels to deepen economic ties with the EU—agreements that might be threatened if a population cap leads to the suspension of free movement.
While Swiss voters have historically rejected measures harmful to the country’s long-term economic interests, recent decisions have been less predictable. In 2014, voters narrowly approved an SVP-backed measure to limit EU immigration, though its implementation was later softened through legislative adjustments.
In the event the populist initiative passes, certain aspects, like the potential termination of free movement with the EU, could face further referendums, according to private sources. Some SVP members claim that the proposal isn’t intended to end free movement but is meant to serve as a wake-up call. Heinz Taennler, an SVP politician and finance director for the canton of Zug, stated, “I don’t want to end free movement. Another million people can still move here, but the government must take action.”
