Swiss Voters Reject Cap on Population Growth in National Referendum

Swiss voters have rejected a proposal to cap the country's population at 10 million. In a referendum held on Sunday, 55% voted against the plan and 45% backed it.

The initiative was pushed by the Swiss People's Party (SVP) and aimed to address concerns over higher immigration, strain on public services, rising rents and crime. But the government, parliament and business groups opposed it, warning that it could damage Switzerland's ties with the European Union and endanger the free movement of workers between the two sides.

The proposal said Switzerland, which currently has about 9.1 million residents, should not exceed 10 million by 2050. It also required the government to tighten immigration policy once the population reached 9.5 million.

Voting patterns showed the strongest opposition among people aged 65 and older, 60% of whom voted no. Among those aged 50 to 64, 57% rejected the measure. Support was highest among voters aged 35 to 49, where 51% backed it, while 48% of those aged 18 to 34 supported it. The plan was clearly defeated in major cities including Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Lausanne and Bern, while support was strongest in rural conservative cantons in central Switzerland and lower in French-speaking regions. It also lost in Valais and Graubunden, both known for ski resorts.