Switzerland on Sunday rejected a proposal to cap its population at 10 million as voters prioritized economic stability and ties with the European Union over worries immigration was stretching public services and pushing up rents.

A population-cap referendum could force Bern to choose between curbing immigration and preserving its access to the EU

Swiss voters head to the polls on proposals for a population cap that could jeopardise EU free movement, and a reform to curb civilian service.