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Swiss Voters Reject Population Cap In Closely Watched Referendum. Swiss voters have rejected a proposal to cap the country’s population at 10 million by 2050, avoiding a potential clash with the European Union over freedom of movement. Preliminary results showed around 54 percent voted against the measure, while roughly 45 percent backed the proposal in a referendum that drew significant attention across Europe. The initiative was put forward by the right-wing Swiss People’s Party, which argued that limiting population growth would ease pressure on housing, public services and the environment. Opponents warned that tighter immigration restrictions could damage key sectors such as healthcare, which relies heavily on foreign workers and threaten Switzerland’s close economic relationship with the European Union. European Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee Chair David McAllister said the result showed Swiss voters supported openness, stability and continued cooperation with Europe. Switzerland’s population currently stands at around 9.1 million and is expected to exceed 10 million in the early 2040s, with more than a quarter of residents born outside the country. Despite the defeat of the proposal, the strong level of support for the measure is expected to increase pressure on the Swiss government to address public concerns about immigration.
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