Swiss vote against proposal to cap population at 10 million by cutting migration, projections say
BBC • • world
Key Points:
- Swiss voters have rejected a proposal by the right-wing Swiss People's Party to cap the country's population at 10 million, with early projections showing 55% voting against the measure.
- The proposal aimed to reduce pressure on infrastructure, housing, and the environment but faced opposition due to concerns about losing access to the EU's single market and labor shortages in key sectors like tourism and healthcare.
- Approving the cap would have jeopardized Switzerland's free movement agreement with the European Union, risking economic isolation given that over half of Swiss products are sold into the EU.
- The debate highlighted contrasting views, with proponents blaming immigration for societal strains, while opponents argued that migration is scapegoated and that broader political decisions affect housing and social services.
- Swiss business leaders and employers warned that restricting immigration could harm the economy and labor market, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong ties with the EU and access to skilled foreign workers.