Switzerland to vote on capping population at 10 million

"The "No to 10 million Switzerland" initiative was put forward by the right-wing, anti-immigration Swiss People's Party (SVP). The proposal has received enough signatures to be put to a vote, the government said on Wednesday, and it will go to the ballot box on June 14. Switzerland is home to around 9.1 million people. People from abroad, mostly from European Union countries, are believed to be around 30% of the population."

"The Swiss government would also "seek to renegotiate international agreements that drive population growth," under the proposal. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video And if the 10-million threshold is crossed, authorities would be required "to take all available measures" to comply with the population limit, including terminating Switzerland's free movement agreement with the EU."

"How popular is the proposal? A November poll by research institute LeeWas on behalf of two newspapers found 48% of respondents were in favor or inclined to be in favor of the measure, with 41% against it and 11% undecided. However, the move is opposed by the Switzerland's collective head of state, known as the Federal Council, as well as most political parties and business associations. They argue that without migration, Switzerland would face labor shortages in healthcare, public transport, hospitality and construction."

A citizen-backed initiative from the Swiss People's Party (SVP) will go to a referendum on June 14 to cap Switzerland's population at 10 million. The proposal would amend the constitution so that if total population, including residents and foreign nationals, reaches 9.5 million before 2050 the government must act to limit growth. Proposed measures include tightening asylum rules, family reunification and residency permits and seeking renegotiation of international agreements. Crossing the 10-million threshold could obligate authorities to end Switzerland's free movement agreement with the EU. Polling shows roughly 48% in favor, 41% opposed and 11% undecided. The Federal Council, most parties and business groups oppose the initiative, warning of labor shortages in sectors such as healthcare, public transport, hospitality and construction.

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