Swiss voters have rejected a referendum proposal backed by the right-wing Swiss People’s Party (SVP) to cap the country’s population at 10 million, according to preliminary projections released after Sunday’s vote.
Early results indicated that about 55% of voters opposed the measure, while 45% supported it.
The proposal sought to enshrine a population limit in the constitution and would have required the government to take action if Switzerland’s population exceeded 10 million before 2050.
The initiative was driven by concerns over immigration, housing pressures, public services and infrastructure capacity.
Supporters argued that continued population growth was placing increasing strain on transport networks, social programmes, natural resources and the country’s environment.
Switzerland’s population stood at 9.1 million at the end of last year and official projections suggest it could reach 10 million in the early 2040s.
Had the measure passed, the government would have been required to restrict asylum applications, family reunification and residency permits.
The proposal also raised the possibility of ending Switzerland’s agreement with the European Union on the free movement of people, a move that many critics warned could damage economic and political ties with the bloc.
Opponents of the initiative argued that Switzerland relies heavily on foreign workers in sectors including healthcare, tourism, finance, pharmaceuticals and technology.
Business groups and political leaders warned that limiting immigration could worsen labour shortages and complicate relations with the EU, Switzerland’s largest trading partner.
Analysts said many voters shared concerns about population growth but remained unconvinced that the proposed solution was workable.
Concerns over economic stability, access to skilled workers and maintaining close links with European partners appeared to outweigh support for stricter population controls.
The result marks the latest chapter in Switzerland’s long-running debate over immigration, an issue that has repeatedly been put before voters through the country’s system of direct democracy.
While migration remains a politically sensitive topic, voters ultimately rejected what would have been an unprecedented attempt to place a national cap on population growth.