Swiss Voters Likely to Reject Population Cap of 10 Million

Swiss voters have rejected a proposal that would have constitutionally limited the country's population to 10 million by 2050, according to early estimates. The referendum was initiated by the Swiss People's Party (SVP), which had warned of rising migration, pressure on housing affordability and the overburdening of public services.

Preliminary projections suggest the measure drew support from around 45% of voters, falling short of the threshold needed to pass. The debate surrounding the vote was likened to the UK's Brexit referendum, as passage of the motion could have fundamentally affected Switzerland's relations with the European Union (EU).

Had the cap been reached, Switzerland would have been required to begin a process leading to the restriction or abolition of free movement of labor from EU countries. Critics warned of potential economic damage, as European workers make up a significant part of the Swiss labor market.

(reuters, mja)