Switzerland votes on proposal to cap population at 10m

Switzerland voted Sunday on a contentious proposal to limit its population to 10 million by 2050, a move likened to Britain's Brexit vote due to its potential economic and political ramifications. The referendum, championed by the right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP), reflects growing concerns about immigration's pressure on public services and housing.

Official projections indicate Switzerland's population is on track to surpass 10 million by the early 2040s, making the SVP's proposed constitutional change a significant intervention. This unprecedented attempt to legally dictate population levels aligns with a broader trend across Europe where right-wing movements are advocating for stricter immigration controls amid economic anxieties and social discontent.

Supporters argue that exceeding the 10 million mark would strain resources. "If it goes above 10m, it will become tight, and immigration should be restricted," said Helen Gulea, a 58-year-old seamstress and part-time kiosk worker in Zurich, who is originally from Kenya. The outcome of the vote carries substantial weight, potentially reshaping Switzerland's future trajectory and its engagement with the European Union, which relies on free movement agreements.

The referendum's focus on population caps taps into a wider European debate about national identity, economic sustainability, and the social impact of migration. Voters faced a complex decision, weighing concerns about infrastructure and living standards against the principles of open borders and economic integration.

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If it goes above 10m, it will ​become tight, and immigration should be restricted.