The “No Switzerland with a population of 10 million” initiative has already sparked a heated debate between supporters of curbing migration and the business community, which warns of risks to the economy and relations with the EU.
What the initiative envisages
The referendum was initiated by the right-wing Swiss People’s Party (SVP), which favors a tougher migration policy. According to the text of the initiative, the authorities will have to take action if the country’s population exceeds 9.5 million people by 2050. Among the possible steps are restrictions in the field of asylum, family reunification and revision of the agreement on free movement with the European Union, explained on the Swiss government portal.
According to the federal government, about 9.1 million people lived in the country at the end of 2025. Since 2002, the population has grown by about 1.7 million, mainly due to migration.
Why the issue has become politically sensitive
Proponents of the initiative argue that rapid population growth increases pressure on the housing market, transportation infrastructure and social services. Several regions of the country are already experiencing housing shortages and rising real estate prices.
The initiative is opposed by the federal government, most business associations and major employers. They warn that restricting migration could exacerbate labor shortages and create risks for the Swiss economy, which is largely dependent on foreign specialists in industry, finance, health care and scientific research, Reuters wrote earlier.
Critics also fear that a possible withdrawal of the free movement agreement with the EU would complicate Switzerland’s trade and economic relations with the EU.
