Swiss government against population limit to 10 million - "It is a threat to the economy and cooperation with the EU"
The Swiss government has urged voters to reject a measure that would cap its population at 10 million, saying it would jeopardize cooperation with the European Union and damage the economy.
The initiative, backed by the right-wing Swiss People's Party, will be put to a referendum on June 14 at a time when Switzerland is moving towards deepening relations with the EU in order to protect market access with its main trading partner.
According to the plan, the permanent resident population should not exceed 10 million before 2050, and Switzerland should abandon its freedom of movement agreement with the EU.
Its supporters say immigration to Switzerland is too high, causing a housing shortage, excessive rents and putting undue pressure on public infrastructure. The SVP, Switzerland's largest party, opposes closer integration with the EU, seeing it as a threat to Swiss sovereignty and burdening the country with excessive regulations.
The population is now over 9 million and the governing Federal Council said the initiative threatens Switzerland's prosperity, internal security and humanitarian traditions. As of 2024, foreign nationals made up more than 27% of the Swiss population, according to official figures.
Justice Minister Beat Jans spoke out against the initiative with representatives of cantonal governments, unions and employers, who said the measure would harm the labor market and with it, companies.
This would also hinder cooperation on security and immigration with other European countries, the government said, adding that "In uncertain times, this initiative creates additional uncertainty."
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