A proposal by Switzerland’s right-wing People’s Party to cap the country’s population at 10 million has received support from nearly half of the Swiss population, according to a recent poll ahead of a probable vote next year.
The People’s Party has long been vocal against immigration, arguing that rapid population growth is straining housing, transportation, and public services. This support for the initiative comes despite government efforts to advise citizens against it. Officials warn that strict population controls could hinder economic growth, noting the reliance of Swiss companies on foreign workers.
According to a survey conducted by the newspaper group Tamedia/20 Minuten and published on Sunday, 48% of respondents indicated they would vote in favor of the proposal. Supporters anticipate that a plebiscite could take place as early as June, though the government has not yet confirmed this timeline.
The People’s Party managed to bring the vote to the public after collecting over 100,000 signatures, which meets the threshold needed to initiate a plebiscite. Currently, Switzerland’s population exceeds 9 million. If the proposal passes, the government would be required to exit international agreements, including the free-movement treaty with the European Union, once the population nears the 10-million mark, projected to occur around 2035 based on current growth patterns.
Switzerland has seen significant population growth over recent decades, with foreigners accounting for approximately one-quarter of its residents. This demographic shift has fueled anti-immigrant sentiments, especially concerning the hiring practices of multinational companies that struggle to find sufficient local talent. Proponents of the initiative cite sharp increases in housing costs, particularly in Zurich, where prices have outstripped those in London and Paris.
