Swiss voters reject 10 million population cap, early projections show
Early projections indicate that Swiss voters have rejected a proposal to cap the country's population at 10 million, with 55% voting against and 45% in favor. The vote could have jeopardized free movement with the EU.
Swiss voters have turned down a proposal to limit the country's population to 10 million, according to early projections. With ballots still being counted, the current trend suggests 55% of participants voted against the measure, while 45% supported it.
The divisive referendum risked undermining Switzerland's free movement agreement with the European Union. The population has grown rapidly since 2002, when it stood at 7.3 million, reaching 9.1 million today. Of that, 27% are Swiss residents born abroad.
The People's Party, which proposed the cap, argued it would ease pressure on transport, housing, and the environment. However, these arguments failed to convince a majority. Many voters were concerned about losing essential workers in sectors like tourism, hospitals, and care homes. Business leaders feared losing access to the EU's single market, which is crucial for Swiss exports—over half of Swiss products are sold to EU countries. Approval of the cap would have forced Switzerland to terminate the free movement agreement.
Some voters also worried about isolation in an unstable world. Though neutral, Switzerland is increasing defense spending and exploring closer security coordination with Europe.
Under Switzerland's system of direct democracy, citizens vote on major issues after campaigners collect 100,000 signatures to trigger a nationwide ballot.
