A referendum proposal to restrict Switzerland’s population to 10 million has divided voters, according to an opinion poll published on Friday, May 8th.
The right-wing Swiss People’s Party (SVP) has organised a public vote on June 14th, stipulating that the permanent resident population must not exceed 10 million before 2050. The proposed mechanism for capping numbers is that the Confederation should end its freedom of movement arrangements with the European Union.
Polling firm GfS Bern conducted the survey in recent weeks, showing 47% of 19,728 respondents in favour of the proposal and 47% against. Public broadcaster SRG carried the results, which seem to express concern about rapid population growth and pressure on infrastructure and public services.
Official data from Switzerland (population now 9 million and rising) show foreign nationals in 2024 accounting for more than 27% of the population growth. Previously, business groups and the ruling party have condemned the referendum initiative, claiming it will lead to labour shortages.
