Polls had forecast a close outcome. In the end, the 'no' camp's victory was clearer than many analysts had expected.
A sign stands in a field between Eichenwies and Eichberg, on the day of the vote on a plan backed by the right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP) to limit population growth to 10 million inhabitants, Switzerland, Jun 14, 2026. (Photo: REUTERS/Michaela Stache)
15 Jun 2026 02:10AM
ZURICH: Switzerland on Sunday (Jun 14) rejected a proposal to cap its population at 10 million as voters prioritised economic stability and ties with the European Union over worries immigration was stretching public services and pushing up rents.A preliminary tally of a nationwide referendum showed almost 55 percent of Swiss voters came out against the proposal, and 45 percent in favour.The vote, which was likened to Britain's 2016 Brexit referendum, had put businesses on edge due to concerns it could end the free movement of labour between Switzerland and the EU, the country's main trading partner.Championed by the right-wing Swiss People's Party, the proposal stipulated that the population must not exceed 10 million before 2050, and that if it did so for two years, Switzerland should end freedom of movement with the EU.
