Switzerland to Hold Referendum on Capping Population at 10 Million

Zurich. Switzerland will hold a referendum on June 14 regarding a right-wing proposal to prevent the population from exceeding 10 million people.

According to the proposal introduced by the country's largest political party, the Swiss People's Party (SVP), the government would be compelled to implement a policy preventing the population, currently around 9.1 million, from crossing the 10 million threshold.

If the proposal passes, the government would have to tighten restrictions on the entry of new immigrants, refugees, and families of foreign nationals once the population reaches 9.5 million. The provision also includes a clause that if the population reaches 10 million, Switzerland would have to terminate its free movement agreement with the European Union (EU).

Switzerland is not an EU member. However, it is integrated into the European single market and labor mobility system through more than 120 bilateral agreements. The SVP claims that high immigration has increased pressure on public services, infrastructure, and housing, leading to rising rental costs.

The majority of the seven-member executive coalition in the Federal Council has opposed this proposal. According to them, such a policy could negatively affect the economy and international relations.

 A survey conducted last year showed significant public support for the proposal. Switzerland has a system where any proposal can be put to a referendum if at least 100,000 signatures are collected.

The SVP is running an anti-immigration campaign on social media, appealing to voters to vote in favor of the proposal. This vote is seen as a crucial decision determining the future of Switzerland's immigration policy and its relationship with Europe.