Swiss Referendum on 10 Million Population Cap: Poll Shows Majority Opposed
A new poll shows a majority of Swiss voters oppose a proposal to cap the population at 10 million, which will be voted on in a referendum on June 14. The proposal could impact Switzerland's relationship with the EU.
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- 📰 Published: June 3, 2026 at 16:05
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(Central News Agency, Zurich, 3rd, Combined Foreign Reports) Switzerland will hold a referendum on June 14 on a proposal to cap the population at 10 million. The latest opinion poll shows a majority of voters oppose the proposal, which aims to limit population growth and could impact Switzerland's relationship with the European Union.
According to Reuters, Switzerland's population grew from 7.3 million in 2002 to 9.1 million last year. The pressure of rapid population growth on public infrastructure has garnered some support for the proposal.
The referendum proposal requires that Switzerland's permanent resident population not exceed 10 million by 2050 and calls for Switzerland to terminate its free movement agreement with the European Union.
Market research firm GFS Bern, commissioned by the public Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SRG), surveyed 19,400 people from May 19 to May 27. The results showed that 52% of respondents opposed the proposal, 45% supported it, and the rest were undecided.
A previous survey conducted at the end of April showed the electorate almost evenly split, with 47% in favor and 47% against.
The Swiss government opposes the proposal, initiated by the right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP), stating it would damage cooperation with its main trading partner, the EU, and thus harm its own economy.
Supporters worry that a significant increase in immigration will overburden infrastructure, particularly housing, transportation, schools, and hospitals.
Other arguments include that immigration controls can protect the environment from the effects of rapid population growth and curb crime and violence.
Opponents fear that setting a legal cap on immigration could damage relations with the EU. Others believe Switzerland needs foreign workers with specialized skills. (Translated by: Cai Jiamin) 1150603
According to Reuters, Switzerland's population grew from 7.3 million in 2002 to 9.1 million last year. The pressure of rapid population growth on public infrastructure has garnered some support for the proposal.
The referendum proposal requires that Switzerland's permanent resident population not exceed 10 million by 2050 and calls for Switzerland to terminate its free movement agreement with the European Union.
Market research firm GFS Bern, commissioned by the public Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SRG), surveyed 19,400 people from May 19 to May 27. The results showed that 52% of respondents opposed the proposal, 45% supported it, and the rest were undecided.
A previous survey conducted at the end of April showed the electorate almost evenly split, with 47% in favor and 47% against.
The Swiss government opposes the proposal, initiated by the right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP), stating it would damage cooperation with its main trading partner, the EU, and thus harm its own economy.
Supporters worry that a significant increase in immigration will overburden infrastructure, particularly housing, transportation, schools, and hospitals.
Other arguments include that immigration controls can protect the environment from the effects of rapid population growth and curb crime and violence.
Opponents fear that setting a legal cap on immigration could damage relations with the EU. Others believe Switzerland needs foreign workers with specialized skills. (Translated by: Cai Jiamin) 1150603