Population limit to 10 million by 2050 - The next referendum in Switzerland. Arguments for and against
Switzerland will hold a referendum this summer to decide whether to cap the country's population at 10 million, the government said. Supporters of the initiative, led by the national-conservative Swiss People's Party (SVP), which holds the most seats in parliament, gathered enough petition signatures to put the issue to a nationwide vote on June 14.
The Federal Statistical Office says Switzerland had a population of 9.1 million as of the end of the third quarter of 2025. People born abroad have made up about 30% of that figure in recent years. Most come from EU countries, and some have taken on Swiss citizenship.
The proposal would enshrine in law the rule that the population permanently residing in Switzerland, including both Swiss citizens and foreigners with a residence permit, should not exceed 10 million by 2050.
If the population reaches 9.5 million before this time, the government will take steps to limit it, such as measures on asylum, family reunification, the issuance of residence permits and the renegotiation of international agreements.
The idea, proponents say, would be to help protect the environment, natural resources, infrastructure and social safety net from the strains caused by population growth.
But critics across the political spectrum say the proposal oversimplifies a complex issue.
They point out that Switzerland often relies on foreign workers in hospitals, hotels, construction sites and universities, and any restrictions on migration and the free movement of people would violate existing international commitments.
For years, the SVP has tried to curb migration to the wealthy Alpine country, but with limited success. A 2016 referendum to automatically deport migrants convicted of minor crimes and a 2020 proposal to end free movement with the EU both failed at the ballot box.
Switzerland is part of Europe's Schengen area, created more than four decades ago, which today unites around 29 countries that allow visa-free travel for 450 million people.
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