Switzerland referendum rejects proposal to limit population size
Kyiv • UNN
In a referendum, 55% of Swiss citizens voted against limiting the country's population. This decision will preserve the free movement of labor with the European Union.
On Sunday, Switzerland rejected a proposal to cap the population at 10 million people, as voters prioritized economic stability and ties with the European Union over concerns that immigration is straining public services and driving up rents, UNN reports, citing CNN.
Preliminary results of the nationwide referendum showed that nearly 55% of Swiss voters voted against the proposal, while 45% were in favor.
The vote, which has been compared to the UK's 2016 Brexit referendum, sparked concern among businesses over fears it could end the free movement of labor between Switzerland and the EU, the country's main trading partner.
The proposal, promoted by the right-wing Swiss People's Party, stipulated that the population should not exceed 10 million by 2050, and if this were to happen within two years, Switzerland would have to terminate freedom of movement with the EU.
The government urged voters to reject the cap. Swiss Justice Minister Beat Jans welcomed the election results but promised to analyze what further steps could be taken to address voters' concerns regarding housing conditions and immigration.
"With today's decision, voters have sent a signal of stability, openness, and reliability," Jans stated at a press conference alongside Swiss President Guy Parmelin.