Switzerland is gearing up for a pivotal vote on a contentious proposal aimed at capping the population at 10 million.
The referendum, scheduled for June 14, has been proposed by the right-wing Swiss People’s Party (SVP), which claims that the nation is experiencing a ‘population explosion.’
Currently, Switzerland’s population is approximately 9.1 million, suggesting that the cap might take effect in the near future, according to CNN.
The proposed plan would require the government to act when the population reaches 9.5 million.
New restrictions would be placed on newcomers, including asylum seekers, and even on family reunifications for foreign residents already in the country.
Should the population hit the 10 million mark, Switzerland would need to terminate its free-movement agreement with the European Union (EU).
Though Switzerland is not an EU member, it maintains close ties through more than 120 bilateral agreements, providing access to the EU single market and enabling the free movement of people and goods.
Revoking this arrangement would represent a significant shift for a country whose primary trading partner is the EU.
Proponents of the initiative argue that rapid immigration is increasing rents, straining public services, and stressing infrastructure.
Conversely, critics, including members of Switzerland’s seven-seat Federal Council, caution that the proposal could harm the economy and isolate the country from its European neighbors.
This debate may find echoes in various countries worldwide, including the US, where immigration tension has been on the rise since Donald Trump’s return to power in January.
The president’s renewed focus on border enforcement and heightened ICE operations have led to incidents such as the deaths of US citizens Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti at the hands of agents in Minneapolis.
Similar to the US, Switzerland operates a highly developed economy dependent on foreign labor in crucial sectors.
The June vote’s outcome could have far-reaching implications not only for immigration policy but also for trade, employment, and Switzerland’s broader relations with neighboring countries.
Switzerland’s system of direct democracy allows proposals with 100,000 signatures to be brought to a nationwide vote.
The decision now rests with Swiss voters to determine whether setting a population limit is the solution to the country’s perceived challenges.