10 million and not one more? “Plan to reduce population as a threat to the economy”

The Swiss government is pressuring voters to reject the initiative to limit the country's population to 10 million in the June referendum, Reuters reported on Monday. The authorities emphasize that the plan may threaten cooperation with the European Union and the economy.

The discussed initiative assumes that the number of permanent residents will not exceed 10 million before 2050. Additionally Switzerland should withdraw from its agreement on the free movement of persons with the EU. The idea will be voted on in a referendum on June 14. This coincides with Switzerland's efforts to deepen its relationship with the EU.

The plan is supported by the right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP), which opposes closer integration with the EU, seeing it as a threat to sovereignty and imposing excessive regulations on the country.

The population of Switzerland is currently over 9 million people. According to official data, in 2024, foreigners constituted over 27%. inhabitants of Switzerland.

According to supporters of the initiative, immigration to Switzerland is too high, causing a shortage of housing, excessive rents and putting excessive pressure on public infrastructure.

The federal government emphasizes that the idea threatens Switzerland's prosperity, internal security and humanitarian traditions.

On Monday, Justice Minister Beat Jans, in a conversation with representatives of cantonal authorities, trade unions and employers, opposed the initiative, noting that it would harm the labor market and companies. Additionally, according to the government, it would also hamper cooperation in the field of security and immigration with other European countries. (PAP)

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