Switzerland will decide on Sunday on a proposal to cap the population at 10 million in a referendum some have likened to Britain's Brexit vote that could have far-reaching consequences for the economy and relations with the European Union.
The referendum comes after the Alpine country's population increased 10 per cent in the 10 years up to the end of 2025, when it stood at just over 9.1 million
WHAT DOES THE PROPOSAL ENVISAGE?
That Switzerland's population must not exceed 10 million before 2050
Once the population reached 9.5 million, the government would have to introduce stricter immigration rules, notably in asylum and family reunification
Once it hit the 10 million mark, Swiss authorities would be obliged to take "all available" measures to respect the limit, including potentially terminating international agreements that contribute to population growth
If the population was not brought under the limit within two years, and no special provisions were agreed in order to comply with it, Switzerland would have to end its 1999 freedom of movement agreement with the EU at the next possible date
That agreement allows EU citizens to live in Switzerland if they work or study there, with Swiss citizens having the same rights in the EU
WHY HAS IT BEEN LAUNCHED?
Switzerland's population has grown significantly faster than that of the EU since the freedom of movement accord with the bloc came into force in 2002
Many immigrants are drawn to the wealthy European nation by its higher wages and low taxes, which have helped bring in companies and created demand for skilled labour
The right-wing Swiss People's Party, or SVP, launched the population cap initiative, arguing that public services and housing have come under pressure from mass immigration, and that crime has also risen
WHAT DOES IT NEED TO PASS?
For the proposal to be accepted, a majority of voters and of Switzerland's cantons, or states, must back it
Swiss voters in 2014 narrowly backed an SVP initiative to reintroduce immigration quotas with the EU, though its impact was diluted in the ensuing political process
WHAT COULD A CAP MEAN FOR THE ECONOMY?
Switzerland has an ageing population and relies on immigrants to fill many jobs
Today, foreigners make up almost 28 per cent of the permanent population, and a recent study showed they accounted for nearly two-in-five company founders in Switzerland
The EU is easily Switzerland's most important trade partner, and in late 2024 the two struck a bilateral accord to deepen economic integration, which the SVP opposes
That deal is moving through parliament and is likely to face a tough referendum in Switzerland, which US President Donald Trump last year hit with the highest tariffs in Europe
Freedom of movement is a pillar of the EU single market and any attempt to restrict European workers entering Switzerland could upend bilateral relations
