The Swiss government and parliament both oppose a proposal to cap the country’s population at 10 million until 2050 by limiting migration. But voters will have their own say this June after a petition linked to the ‘No to a 10 million Switzerland’ initiative crossed the 100,000-signature threshold needed to initiate a nationwide referendum in record time.
Establishment media outlets, including those outside of Switzerland, have focused in particular on the opposition from big business to this significant measure. But referendum backers from the right-wing Swiss People’s Party stressed on Wednesday that while “a small economic elite profits from uncontrolled immigration, the majority of the Swiss population suffers.”
Everyone feels the effects of uncontrolled immigration in their daily lives: The cost of living is constantly rising. Rents are skyrocketing. Crime is increasing. Schools are bursting at the seams. The landscape is being paved over. Trains are packed. Traffic jams are a constant problem. Switzerland is losing its identity. People feel like strangers in their own country.
“Our citizens,” added party representative Thomas Matter, “have had enough.” Polling suggests that the migration cap proposal has previously received almost 50% backing.
Switzerland’s population currently stands at around nine million, having steadily increased over recent years. If successful, the vote could result in it being made more difficult for foreigners to gain permanent residency once the population passes 9.5 million. It could also see Switzerland revise its agreement with the EU that (currently) allows for free movement, according to The New York Times.
The referendum will be held on June 10th.
Michael Curzon is a news writer for europeanconservative.com based in England’s Midlands. He is also Editor of Bournbrook Magazine, which he founded in 2019, and previously wrote for London’s Express Online. His Twitter handle is @MichaelCurzon_.
