Swiss Voters Decide Whether to Cap the Country at 10 Million People

Swiss citizens are voting Sunday on a proposed constitutional cap that would limit the country’s population to 10 million, in an unusually consequential referendum expected to have far-reaching effects. The initiative was launched by the country’s main right-wing party, the SVP, which says it would curb immigration, ease housing costs, and improve public services. Polls suggest the race is extremely close.

If approved, Switzerland would have to begin taking major steps to slow population growth. The ballot question asks: “Should Switzerland’s population be limited to 10 million people?” Supporters argue that uncontrolled immigration is making the country grow too fast, while opponents, including the government, call it a “chaos initiative.” They warn it would deprive hospitals and hotels of needed workers and damage ties with the European Union, leaving Switzerland isolated.

Population growth has been rapid over the past 25 years. Switzerland had 7.3 million residents in 2002, 8.3 million a decade ago, and about 9.1 million today, including 27% born outside the country. If a majority votes yes, Switzerland would become the first country in the world to set an official population limit.

The proposal says the population should not exceed 10 million before 2050, and it would require the government to act once the figure reaches 9.5 million. Possible measures include limiting the number of asylum seekers allowed into the country and ending family reunification rights for foreign workers. If the population still reaches 10 million, the government would have to cancel international agreements, including the free movement accord with the EU. Switzerland’s direct-democracy system allows such initiatives to reach a vote once organizers collect 100,000 signatures, and recent polls indicate the result is likely to remain very tight, with opponents holding a slight edge.