A controversial proposal by Switzerland's right-wing People's Party to limit the country's population to 10 million is gaining significant traction. According to a recent poll, nearly half of the Swiss population intends to support the plan in a national vote expected next year.
Strong Public Support Despite Government Opposition
The poll, conducted by the newspaper group Tamedia/20 Minuten and released on Sunday, reveals that 48% of respondents plan to vote in favour of the population cap. This level of support comes even as the Swiss government actively urges voters to reject the initiative. Authorities warn that strict immigration curbs would harm the nation's economy and prosperity, arguing that Swiss companies are heavily reliant on foreign workers.
The People's Party, a long-time campaigner against high immigration levels, contends that rapid population growth is straining the country's infrastructure. They point to overwhelmed housing, transport networks, and public services as key reasons for the proposed cap.
The Path to a National Vote and Potential Consequences
The party successfully gathered the required more than 100,000 signatures to force a national plebiscite. While supporters suggest the vote could happen as early as June 2025, the government has not yet confirmed the date.
Switzerland currently has a population of slightly more than 9 million. If the initiative passes, the government would be obligated to take drastic action once the 10-million mark approaches. This threshold could be reached by 2035 based on current forecasts. The required measures would include withdrawing from international agreements, most notably the pivotal free-movement treaty with the European Union.
Decades of Growth Fuel the Debate
The push for a cap follows decades of steady population increase in Switzerland, driven significantly by immigration. Foreign nationals now constitute about a quarter of all residents. This demographic shift has fueled anti-immigrant sentiment, particularly around the hiring practices of multinational corporations that often struggle to find local talent.
Proponents of the population cap highlight concrete issues like the soaring cost of living. They cite the example of Zurich, where house prices have skyrocketed to levels exceeding those in global hubs like London and Paris. For many supporters, the initiative is a direct response to these tangible pressures on daily life and the national infrastructure.
The stage is now set for a major national debate in 2025, pitting concerns over national identity and resource management against warnings of severe economic repercussions.
