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Voters in Switzerland have rejected a controversial proposal to limit the country's population to a maximum of 10 million, according to early projections published on Sunday.
Although the vote count is not yet complete, current trends show that around 55% of voters voted against the proposal, while 45% voted in favor. The proposal was initiated by the Swiss People's Party (SVP), a right-wing party known for its strong anti-immigration platform. According to the SVP, limiting the population would help reduce pressure on public transport, housing, social services and the natural environment. However, this argument failed to convince the majority of voters.
Switzerland's population has grown rapidly since 2002, when it numbered 7.3 million. Today, it has reached 9.1 million, with 27% of residents born abroad.
Opponents of the proposal, including business leaders, center-left and left-wing parties, warned that such a border would jeopardize the free movement agreement with the European Union, leading to a shortage of needed workers in key sectors such as tourism, healthcare and elderly care.
Many voters also expressed concern that such a decision could isolate Switzerland in an unstable international context, especially given rising defense spending and the need for closer cooperation with Europe on security issues.
Switzerland remains a classic example of direct democracy. Any group that collects at least 100,000 signatures can force a nationwide referendum on any major issue. This latest referendum highlights the ongoing tension in Switzerland between the desire to preserve its identity and quality of life on the one hand, and the need for a workforce and economic integration with Europe on the other.
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