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Swiss reject right-wing's bid to cap population at 10 million : NPR
NPR • • world
Key Points:
- Nearly 55% of Swiss voters rejected a right-wing initiative to cap the country's population at 10 million, according to early results with a turnout of nearly 59%.
- The Swiss People's Party, which proposed the measure, argued that rapid population growth strains infrastructure, housing, social programs, and the Swiss way of life.
- Opponents, including the federal government and major business groups, warned that the cap could harm Switzerland's economic ties and agreements with the European Union.
- Switzerland's population has grown by nearly 25% over the last generation, with foreigners comprising about one-third, mainly from neighboring EU countries.
- The referendum reflects ongoing European debates over migration, with Switzerland's direct democracy allowing voters frequent input on immigration policies.
