Swiss Vote on Capping Population at 10 Million Amid Migration Concerns

Switzerland is holding a referendum today on an initiative to legally cap the country's population at 10 million. The proposal, spearheaded by the right-wing, euroskeptic Swiss People's Party (SVP), also mandates the government to manage migration more rigorously and, if necessary, to terminate the free movement agreement with the European Union.

The SVP, which holds two seats in the seven-member government and the largest parliamentary group, is behind the initiative. Switzerland's population has been growing rapidly, reaching 9.1 million last year, with over a quarter of residents not holding Swiss passports. Statisticians project the population could reach 10 million around 2040.

The SVP's multi-phase initiative outlines that once the population hits 9.5 million, rights to asylum and family reunification would be restricted. While the Swiss constitution already states that Switzerland independently manages and limits migration through annual quotas, this does not apply to the EU's free movement agreement. Reaching the 10 million threshold would compel the Swiss parliament to implement drastic measures, including potentially rescinding the 2002 EU agreement.

Public opinion appears divided. A poll conducted between May 19 and 27, surveying 19,400 Swiss citizens, found 52% against the SVP's proposal, while 45% were in favor, with the remainder undecided. The outcome of the referendum will significantly impact Switzerland's future migration policies and its relationship with the European Union.