Swiss Reject Population Cap In Referendum, Avoiding Eu Clash And Cheering Business

Switzerland on Sunday rejected a proposal to cap its population at 10 million as voters prioritized economic stability and ties with the European Union over worries immigration was stretching public services ​and pushing up rents.

A preliminary tally of a nationwide referendum showed almost 55% of Swiss voters came out against the proposal, and 45% in favor.

The vote, which was likened to Britain’s 2016 Brexit referendum, had put businesses on edge due to concerns it could end the free movement of labour between Switzerland and the EU, the ⁠country’s main trading partner.

Championed by the right-wing Swiss People’s Party, the proposal stipulated that the population must not exceed 10 million before 2050, and that if it did so for two years, Switzerland should end freedom of movement with the EU.

The government had urged voters to reject the cap. Swiss Justice Minister Beat Jans welcomed the result but ⁠pledged to analyse what further steps could be taken to satisfy voter concerns about housing and immigration.

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Urs Bieri from pollster GFS Bern said the cap failed to pass because while concern about population growth is widespread, people were worried it could damage Swiss relations with the EU and make it harder to recruit staff, ‌and find workers like carers.

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The Swiss population already stands at 9.1 million and has grown far more quickly than in the surrounding EU. Foreigners make up nearly 28% of the total, which official projections forecast will reach 10 million by the early 2040s.

Polls had forecast a close outcome. In the end, the “no” camp’s victory was clearer than many analysts had expected.

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Turnout was about 59%, well above the recent average of 48% for Swiss referendums.

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The “no” campaign ran posters with an image of a smiling Trump and the ‌caption: “Breaking with ‌Europe, now of all ​times?”

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