Switzerland has reportedly turned down a controversial anti-immigration initiative aimed at capping its population, according to early predictions from the latest polling on Sunday.
As the voting concluded at noon (10:00 GMT), initial estimates from the gfs.bern institute indicated that approximately 55% opposed the initiative. This development raised concerns over potential “disruption” and its adverse effects on the Swiss economy and relationships with the European Union.
Monika Ruhr, director of Economy Switzerland, an employers’ association, expressed relief at the outcome, stating that it signifies a crucial moment for both the nation and its ties with the EU.
Prior to the vote, opinion polls suggested a tightly contested decision under Switzerland’s direct democracy system. The initiative, framed as “No to Switzerland, a country with a population of 10 million!” was proposed by the far-right Swiss People’s Party (SVP).
This proposal aimed to prevent the population, currently at 9.1 million, from exceeding 10 million by the year 2050. If enacted, it would impose significant restrictions on immigration in a country where more than one-quarter of residents are foreigners.
Retiree Jill Hart, speaking outside a polling station in Bern, emphasized the need for limitations, likening Switzerland’s population to a crowded ship. “If you put too many people in it, it sinks,” she remarked, underscoring the concerns of those in favor of the cap.
Political Tensions Surrounding Immigration
The SVP, Switzerland’s largest political party, attributed a range of societal issues—such as housing shortages, rising rents, and congested transportation—to “mass immigration,” calling for substantial action. SVP MP Céline Amaudels expressed her disappointment over the early predictions, arguing that the country faces significant challenges stemming from immigration.
Ivan Pahad, another SVP representative, reiterated that Switzerland, due to its small size, cannot accommodate the entirety of Europe’s migrant population. Swiss Justice Minister Beat Jans highlighted the high stakes of the vote, warning that the initiative could lead to a “Brexit” scenario for Switzerland.
Widespread opposition to the proposal has emerged from the government, parliament, and various sectors of the economy. Educator Josefina Luque articulated this sentiment, observing that in an interconnected world, attempting to close borders is an imprudent strategy.
Reflections on Military Service Alternatives
On the same day, Swiss voters also supported a bill that aims to make civilian service less appealing and accessible as geopolitical tensions in Europe rise due to conflicts like the war in Ukraine. The referendum was spearheaded by leftist groups in neutral countries who contend that the legislation poses risks that could eliminate options for conscious objectors to military service.
Initial forecasts suggested that this referendum could pass with around 53% support, though the gfs.bern institute cautioned that the margin for error is 3%, leaving room for uncertainty in final results.
In Switzerland, military service is mandatory for men, who engage in a unique militia system involving at least four months of initial service, followed by recurring training over a ten-year period. Since 1996, those who object to military service on ethical grounds have had the opportunity to serve in alternative roles.
Since a 2009 reform that streamlined access to civilian options, the number of conscientious objectors choosing this route has been on the rise, prompting government officials to express concern over this developing trend.
