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Economic Stability · EU Relations · Immigration · Switzerland
Swiss voters rejected a referendum proposal to cap the population at 10 million, with 55% against and 45% in favor, prioritizing economic stability and maintaining strong ties with the European Union over immigration concerns.
The right-wing Swiss People’s Party championed the proposal, which stipulated the population must not exceed 10 million by 2050 and would scrap the freedom of movement accord with the EU if exceeded. Businesses were on edge, fearing the end of free movement of labor with the EU, Switzerland's main trading partner.
Urs Bieri from polling firm GFS Bern indicated voters worried about negative consequences for EU relations and the labor market, including potential shortages of care and health workers. The Swiss population, currently 9.1 million, has grown faster than the surrounding EU, with foreigners making up nearly 28%.
Patrick Leisibach, a migration expert at Avenir Suisse, noted economic arguments played a role, with people considering personal welfare impacts. The rejection avoids a significant clash with Brussels, particularly after a challenging 2025 when President Donald Trump imposed high U.S. tariffs on Swiss goods.
