Switzerland Votes in Referendum to Cap Population at 10 Million
Swiss citizens are voting on a far-right proposal to limit the country's population to 10 million by 2050, a move that could jeopardize relations with the EU and the economy.
Switzerland is holding a nationwide referendum on Sunday, where voters decide on a constitutional amendment proposed by the far-right Swiss People's Party (SVP) to cap the population at 10 million by 2050. Official forecasts suggest the country could reach this threshold as early as the early 2040s.
The initiative is driven by concerns over immigration, pressure on public services, and housing construction. If approved, reaching the 10 million mark would trigger a process that could force Switzerland to revoke the free movement of persons agreement with the European Union. This could undermine a recent deal on deeper economic integration with the EU, as well as other bilateral trade agreements, since free movement is a cornerstone of the EU's single market.
The Swiss government has urged citizens to vote against the proposal, warning it would harm cooperation with the EU and the economy by restricting the labor market. Past referendums on similar issues have been unpredictable – for instance, in 2014 voters approved an immigration cap, but its impact was later diluted in the legislative process.
Switzerland's population has grown from 7.2 million in the early 2000s to over 9 million in 2026. Of the roughly two million newcomers, about 64% are EU citizens. Recent polls indicate a majority of Swiss citizens oppose the bill. Results are expected to start coming in after 10:00 GMT (12:00 Kyiv time).
