Switzerland debates population cap in upcoming referendum

Switzerland is set to hold a referendum on June 14 concerning a popular initiative by the right-wing populist Swiss People's Party (SVP). The initiative, titled "No to ten million Swiss," proposes capping the country's permanent resident population at 10 million by the year 2050, primarily aiming to restrict immigration.

This proposal touches upon various aspects, including nationalistic sentiments and economic interests. A similar initiative by the SVP failed twelve years ago. Critics argue that limiting the population could harm the Swiss economy. Tobias Heyland from the Institute for the World Economy in Kiel (IfW) stated that such a cap could lead to a struggle over which types of migration should be permitted.

Experts like Heyland and Sabine Cin from the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW) express concerns that a strict population limit could deter highly educated professionals from moving to Switzerland, potentially "deterring the wrong people." Cin also noted that broadly restricting immigration might worsen existing demographic challenges, such as aging populations and shortages of skilled workers, which many European countries, including Switzerland and Germany, are already facing.

Experts also point to the importance of distinguishing between humanitarian and economically necessary migration. Vido Gays-Tene, a migration expert at the Institute of the German Economy (IW) in Cologne, highlighted the significant role of EU citizens in sectors like hospitality, catering, and construction in Switzerland. He warned that a population limit of ten million would likely cause considerable harm to the country, which relies on these workers and is also a major tourist destination.