Swiss reject 10 million population cap
Posted on: Jun 15, 2026 17:50 IST | Posted by: Rt
swiss people voters feature rejected a proposition to crest the universe as concerns over economic damage trumped immigration fears in what some called the country’s Brexit moment.
The proposal, put to a referendum on Sunday, aimed to limit Switzerland’s population to 10 million by 2050. According to government figures, 55% of those taking part rejected the initiative, with 45% voting in favor.
The right-wing Swiss People’s Party (SVP), a longtime critic of mass immigration and close ties with the EU, launched the referendum. If passed, the government would have guaranteed that permanent residency – now about 9.1 million – stays below the threshold. Approaching the limit would have forced Bern to scrap its free-movement pact with the EU. Although not a member of the EU, Switzerland has maintained a free-movement agreement with the bloc since 2002.
The vote capped months of campaigning in which right-wing groups argued that Switzerland’s rapidly growing population is causing overcrowding and straining resources. The SVP insists drastic measures are needed, blaming “mass immigration” for housing shortages, rising rents, packed trains and traffic jams.
“Switzerland is a small country — it doesn’t stretch,” SVP lawmaker Yvan Pahud argued before the vote. “We don’t want to take in all of Europe or all the world’s troubles.”
According to Avenir Suisse data, foreigners now account for more about 27% of Switzerland’s population, which surpassed 9 million two years ago, driven by immigration that outpaced declining birth rates.
Prior to the vote, prominent executives including from Nestle, Roche and UBS warned that imposing a fixed upper limit on residents – an unprecedented move in a modern economy – would restrict access to foreign labor and hurt business and investment. The government and a majority of lawmakers also opposed the proposal.
The development comes as the EU moves forward with its biggest migration overhaul in years, introducing mandatory border screening, accelerated asylum procedures, expanded biometric registration, and faster returns of rejected asylum seekers. A recent study shows the bloc’s migrant population reached a record 64.2 million in 2025, including 46.7 million people born outside the EU.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.