Why the Swiss population cap referendum is dividing a nation
Switzerland is scheduled to hold the referendum on 14 June (Reuters)
Switzerland is scheduled to hold a referendum on 14 June to vote on a proposal to cap its population at 10 million, an initiative championed by the right-wing Swiss People’s Party (SVP).
Supporters of the cap argue that the country’s expanding population is overstretching local infrastructure, as well as increasing rents and crime.
Businesses and economists have expressed concerns over the proposal, warning that a ‘yes’ vote could restrict access to skilled labour, harm relations with the European Union, and inflict a blow to the Swiss economy.
Under the latest proposal, should the population reach 10 million, Bern could be required to terminate international accords encouraging population growth, including the free movement of people with the EU, potentially leading to a 7.1 per cent reduction in Swiss economic growth between 2028 and 2045, according to Claude Maurer, chief economist at BAK Economics.
Recent polls indicate a close contest, with 47 per cent of voters in favour and 52 per cent against.
