Switzerland to Hold Referendum on Capping Population at 10 Million; Germans Eye Migration Policy

(Central News Agency, Berlin, 8th – Special Correspondent Lin Shangying) Switzerland will hold a national referendum on the 14th to decide whether to limit its permanent resident population to under 10 million. If the proposal passes, Switzerland would set a global precedent by enshrining a population cap in its constitution. The referendum is drawing significant attention in Germany, as Switzerland has long been the primary destination for German emigrants.

The constitutional amendment referendum, titled "No 10 Million Switzerland," was initiated by the far-right Swiss People's Party (SVP). It demands that Switzerland's permanent resident population remain below 10 million by 2050. If the population continues to grow, the government must tighten immigration, asylum, and family reunification policies.

According to the proposal, if the population exceeds 9.5 million before 2050, the government and parliament must take measures to limit population growth. If it surpasses 10 million, the government would be required to renegotiate or even terminate international agreements that could promote population growth, including the agreement on the free movement of persons with the European Union.

Switzerland's current population is approximately 9.1 million. Since the implementation of the free movement of persons agreement with the EU in 2002, the country's population has increased by about 1.7 million, primarily driven by immigration.

Der Spiegel magazine reports that German citizens are one of the largest foreign groups in Switzerland, and Switzerland is the top destination for Germans moving abroad. Due to generally higher wages than in Germany and a stable job market, many German doctors, engineers, researchers, and financial professionals choose to relocate to Switzerland.

Currently, nearly one-quarter of Switzerland's residents are foreign nationals. The SVP, which initiated the referendum, argues that population growth has already led to housing shortages, rising property prices and rents, and traffic congestion. It warns that without early control of immigration, Switzerland's quality of life, natural environment, and public services will come under pressure.

However, according to reports, the Swiss federal government, a majority of parliamentary parties, the business community, and trade unions all oppose the referendum. Opponents argue that the Swiss economy is heavily dependent on foreign labor, from healthcare and construction to tourism and hospitality, all of which rely on workers from Germany and other European countries. Restricting immigration could exacerbate labor shortages and harm economic development.

Der Spiegel analyzes that the Swiss population cap referendum reflects a common dilemma faced by many European countries. On one hand, various industries need foreign talent to function; on the other hand, housing shortages and rising living costs fuel public discontent with immigration.

The report also notes that the referendum is being closely watched by other right-wing parties in Europe. The SVP has long been seen as a representative of European right-wing populist politics. Past referendums initiated by the party on restricting immigration, tightening asylum rules, and banning minarets have served as policy models for far-right parties across Europe.

If the constitutional population cap referendum passes, it could embolden far-right parties in Europe, such as the Alternative for Germany (AfD), to propose even more exclusionary population and immigration policies. (Editor: Tang Peijun) 1150608