Most Swiss back initiative to cap population at 10 million, poll shows
A recent poll indicates that a majority of Swiss citizens support a referendum to cap the country's population at 10 million. The initiative, backed by the right-wing Swiss People’s Party, has been rejected by the government due to concerns over its economic impact and EU relations. Despite this, worries about rapid population growth are driving public support for the proposal ahead of the vote on June 14.
- ▪52 percent of respondents support the population cap initiative according to a recent poll.
- ▪The Swiss government argues that the initiative could harm economic cooperation with the EU.
- ▪The proposal would limit the permanent resident population to 10 million by 2050 and end the freedom of movement agreement with the EU.
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Most Swiss back initiative to cap population at 10 million, poll showsSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxSwitzerland’s population is now more than nine million, with official data showing foreign nationals accounted for more than 27 per cent by 2024.PHOTO: REUTERSPublished Apr 29, 2026, 02:38 PMUpdated Apr 29, 2026, 04:50 PMListenZURICH - A slim majority of Swiss are backing an upcoming referendum proposal to limit Switzerland’s population to 10 million, and support for it is growing, an opinion poll showed on April 27. The government has rejected the initiative backed by the right-wing Swiss People’s Party (SVP) being put to voters on June 14, saying it will hurt cooperation with the European Union and damage the economy by restricting the labour market.
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