Switzerland says "no" to population limits and break with the EU

Switzerland rejected a proposal to cap its population at 10 million on Tuesday, as voters prioritized economic stability and relations with the European Union over concerns that immigration was straining public services and driving up rents.

Preliminary results of the national referendum showed that almost 55% of Swiss voters voted against the proposal, while 45% supported it.

The vote, which has been compared to Britain's 2016 referendum on leaving the EU, has raised concerns among business people over fears it could lead to the end of free movement of workers between Switzerland and the EU, its main trading partner.

The proposal, championed by the right-wing Swiss People's Party, stipulated that the population should not exceed 10 million before 2050. If that number were exceeded for two consecutive years, Switzerland would have to abolish freedom of movement with the EU.

The government has called on citizens to reject the restriction. Swiss Justice Minister Beat Jans welcomed the result, but promised to analyze what additional measures could be taken to address citizens' concerns about housing and immigration.

"With today's decision, voters have sent a signal of stability, openness and reliability," Jans said at a press conference alongside Swiss President Guy Parmelin.

Urs Bieri of the GFS Berne opinion poll agency said the proposal failed because, while concerns about population growth are widespread, citizens fear it could damage Switzerland's relations with the EU and make it harder to recruit needed workers, including caregivers and other workers.

"There is also a feeling that in the current international environment it is not reasonable for one small country to take such a step," Bieri said.

Switzerland's population already stands at 9,1 million, and has grown significantly faster than in neighboring EU countries. Foreigners make up almost 28% of the total population, and according to official projections, this number will reach 10 million by the early 2040s.

Polls predicted a close vote. However, in the end, the victory of the camp opposing the proposal was more convincing than many analysts had expected.

A teacher from Zurich, Jan Hesselman (27), was pleased with the result but concerned about the level of support the proposal received.

"That's the wrong way to approach this issue, it fuels xenophobia," he said.

The proposal to limit the population comes as support for policies aimed at reducing immigration is growing across Europe. Campaign posters claimed that only 10% of new arrivals were skilled workers, while asylum seekers were portrayed as more likely to commit rape.

Turnout for the referendum was around 59%, significantly higher than the recent average of 48% for Swiss referendums.

Marcel Detling, president of the Swiss People's Party, said the initiative was very popular in rural areas, but was ultimately rejected by voters in urban areas.

"No problem has been solved," he said. "We will continue to advocate for sensible immigration policies."