Switzerland to Hold Referendum on 10 Million Population Cap in June

The initiative, proposed by the anti-immigrant Swiss People’s Party (SVP), argues that rapid population growth is inflating housing costs, straining public services, and reducing living standards.

The “No to a 10 million Switzerland” proposal gathered the 100,000 signatures required for a vote under the country’s direct democracy system.

If approved, the measure would require authorities to block new arrivals, including asylum seekers and families of foreign residents, once the population surpasses 9.5 million.

Surpassing 10 million would obligate Switzerland to withdraw from the EU’s free-movement agreement.

The proposal faces opposition from the Swiss government, other parliamentary parties, and the country’s top business lobby, Economiesuisse, which warned that restricting foreign workers could force companies to relocate abroad and harm the economy.

A December poll by Tamedia/20 Minuten suggested that around 48% of Swiss citizens support the population cap initiative.