Switzerland to vote on far-right proposal to cap population at 10 million

"Switzerland will vote this summer on a proposal from the far-right Swiss People's party (SVP) to limit the country's population to 10 million, a move that would threaten key agreements with the EU and, opponents say, cripple its economy. The government said on Wednesday the referendum on the SVP's No to a 10 million Switzerland initiative, which is strongly opposed by both chambers of parliament and the business and financial services community, would be held on 10 June."

"The initiative would oblige the Swiss government and parliament to act if the country's permanent population of 9.1 million exceeds 9.5 million by denying entrance to newcomers, including asylum seekers and the families of foreign residents. If the population reaches 10 million, further restrictions would come into force, and if numbers do not start to fall the government would be required to pull out of the free-movement agreement it has with the EU, by far its biggest export market."

"Switzerland's population has grown about five times faster than the average in surrounding EU member states over the past decade, as its economic success has attracted both low-skilled workers and highly paid corporate expats. About 27% of Swiss residents are not citizens, according to government figures. The SVP, the country's largest political party, says the population explosion is inflating rents and straining public infrastructure and services to breaking point."

"The party, which has finished first in every election since 1999, has long campaigned against immigration, highlighting crimes committed by foreigners and posting images of bloody knives, hooded criminals, fists and frightened women. The radical nationalist changes it frequently proposes, such as a 2016 proposal to automatically deport immigrants found guilty of even minor offences, and a 2020 plan to end free movement with the EU, have not generally fared so well."

Switzerland will hold a referendum on 10 June on a proposal from the far-right Swiss People's Party to cap the country's permanent population at 10 million. The initiative would require the government and parliament to deny entry to newcomers, including asylum seekers and family members of foreign residents, if the population exceeds 9.5 million, and impose further restrictions when it reaches 10 million. Failure to reduce numbers would obligate withdrawal from the free-movement agreement with the EU. Switzerland's population grew about five times faster than neighboring EU states over the past decade, and about 27% of residents are non-citizens. The proposal is strongly opposed by both parliamentary chambers and business groups.

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