Swiss voters have rejected a proposal that would have placed a legal cap on the country’s population, according to final results reported by national broadcaster SRF. The initiative, which aimed to limit Switzerland’s population to 10 million by 2050, was defeated by 54.8% of voters, while 45.2% supported it.
The measure was introduced by the Swiss People’s Party (SVP), the largest political force in the national parliament. Under Switzerland’s system of direct democracy, referendum outcomes are generally binding, giving the result immediate political weight.
Supporters of the proposal argued that rapid population growth driven by immigration has put pressure on public services and contributed to overcrowding in the Alpine country, where foreigners already account for more than a quarter of residents. The current population stands at around 9.1 million.
Opponents warned that adopting the measure would have far-reaching economic and social consequences. Business groups in particular expressed concern that it could disrupt Switzerland’s agreement on the free movement of labor with the European Union, its key trading partner.
The proposal included a provision stating that if the population exceeded 10 million for more than two consecutive years before 2050, Switzerland’s agreement with the EU would be terminated.
