Swiss voters rejected a proposal to cap the country’s population at 10 million by 2050 through a national referendum

Swiss voters rejected a proposal to cap the country’s population at 10 million by 2050 through a national referendum

¨     Swiss voters rejected a proposal to cap the country’s population at 10 million by 2050 through a national referendum.

¨     The initiative was titled “No to a Switzerland of 10 Million” and “Sustainability Initiative.”

¨     Final results showed that approximately 54.79%–55% of voters opposed the proposal, while 45.21%–45% supported it.

¨     The referendum recorded a voter turnout of about 58.86%.

¨     Switzerland’s population stood at around 9.1 million at the end of 2025.

¨     The proposal was put forward by the Swiss People's Party (SVP).

¨     The SVP is one of Switzerland’s major right-wing political parties.

¨     The Swiss government, parliament, and major business associations recommended that voters reject the initiative.

¨     The proposal was linked to concerns about the free movement of persons agreement with the European Union.

¨     The free movement agreement is a key component of Switzerland’s bilateral relations with the EU.

¨     The rejection of the proposal means there will be no immediate change to Switzerland’s existing population and immigration policies.