Switzerland to Vote on Far-Right Policy to Cap Population at 10 Million

Switzerland is set to hold an unprecedented national vote on a far-right policy to cap its population at 10 million by 2050.

The policy proposed by the far-right Swiss People’s Party (SVP) concludes this weekend, and ministers have warned that, if passed, it could have devastating consequences.

If the “yes” vote wins, the Swiss government would have to put in place policies that cap the population at 10 million in the next 25 years, and if it hits 9.5 million before 2050, enact restrictions on family reunification, residency permits and asylum.

If the population still exceeds 10 million before 2050, the proposal would require the government to withdraw from the country’s free movement agreement with the EU and end access to the EU single market.

The current population of Switzerland stands at 9.1 million, up from 7.3 million in 2002 and 27 per cent of its population are foreign residents.

The seven-member Swiss government, made up of ministers from Switzerland’s four biggest parties, including the SVP, is collectively against the initiative, warning it could harm the country.

Trade unions have dubbed the proposal the “chaos initiative”, while experts have warned the move will not solve housing or traffic problems.

“Uncontrolled immigration is causing Switzerland to grow far too quickly. The negative consequences are palpable in all areas of life,” the SVP argued in its campaign.

The party argues that immigration is fuelling increasing demand for more hospital beds and more places in schools, and that limiting immigration would ease the pressure.

Switzerland’s system allows for “popular initiatives” to be put to a referendum if they get 100,000 backers within 18 months and are typically held four times a year.

According to the latest opinion polls, voters are marginally closer to a no vote, with 52 per cent opposed and 45 per cent in favour.

This is the first time a country has voted on whether to cap its population. Putting a hard limit on residents is not a measure any other country has tried, although China tried to slow growth through a one-child limit which it has since abandoned.

While Switzerland’s population has significantly increased by 23 per cent since the EU’s free movement came into effect, its economic output has risen by about 24 per cent over the same period, according to government data.