Switzerland voters reject proposal to cap countrys population at 10 million

ZURICH — Switzerland on Sunday rejected a referendum proposal ​to cap its population at 10 million, a projection showed, as voters prioritized economic stability and the ‌country’s ties with the European Union over immigration concerns.A preliminary projection published by national broadcaster SRF indicated about 45% of voters were in favor of the proposal and 55% against.The referendum, which was likened to Britain’s 2016 Brexit vote, had put businesses on edge due to concerns it ​could lead to the end of free movement of labor between Switzerland and the EU, its main trading ​partner.The proposal championed by the right-wing Swiss People’s Party stipulated that the population must not exceed ⁠10 million before 2050, and that if it did so for two years, Switzerland should scrap its freedom of movement ​accord with the EU.Urs Bieri from polling firm GFS Bern said the vote failed because although many people were worried ​about the rising population, they were not convinced by the plan and worried about the possible side-effects.“From the very beginning it has been presented as the chaos initiative.Voters were worried about negative consequences for Switzerland’s relationship with the EU and for the labor market,” he said.“People are ​also worried about things like having enough care and health workers.

Also there’s a feeling that in the current international ​environment it’s not sensible for a small country to do this,” Bieri added.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 Swiss population, which official projections forecast will reach 10 million by the early 2040s.

Morning Report delivers the latest news, videos, photos and more.Please provide a valid email.

By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Never miss a story.

Polls had for...