On June 14, 2026, Swiss voters decisively rejected a proposal from the right-wing Swiss People's Party to limit the population to 10 million by 2050, with preliminary results showing 55% against and 45% in favor. This referendum was closely watched as it raised fears of disrupting Switzerland's free movement of labor with the EU, its primary trading partner.
Polling expert Urs Bieri noted that while many voters were concerned about population growth, they were not convinced by the proposal's potential negative impacts on the economy and labor market. Concerns included the availability of care and health workers, as well as the implications of straining relations with the EU, especially after recent tensions.
The current Swiss population is approximately 9.1 million, with projections indicating it could reach 10 million by the early 2040s. The significant support for the cap reflects a broader trend in Europe towards limiting immigration, but the rejection highlights a preference for maintaining economic stability and essential services over restrictive immigration policies