The government of Switzerland has warned that a proposed initiative seeking to cap the country’s population at 10 million people could have serious consequences for economic prosperity, national security and the country’s relationship with the European Union.
The proposal, titled “No to ten million Switzerland,” will be put to a national vote on June 14 as part of Switzerland’s system of direct democracy, which allows citizens to decide on constitutional initiatives through referendums.
On Monday, the Federal Council, together with parliament, urged voters to reject the measure, arguing that it could undermine Switzerland’s economic stability and disrupt key agreements with European partners.
At a press briefing in Bern, Swiss Federal Councilor Beat Jans presented the government’s position alongside several representatives from cantonal governments, labor unions and employer organizations.
Among those attending the briefing were Markus Dieth, Pierre-Yves Maillard, Severin Moser, Fabio Regazzi and Adrian Wuthrich.
The initiative proposes that Switzerland’s permanent resident population should not exceed 10 million people before the year 2050. Supporters of the proposal argue that immigration levels are too high and are placing pressure on housing, infrastructure and public services.
However, the Swiss government and many economic stakeholders say the measure could damage the country’s economy and complicate its close relationship with the European Union.
Jans warned that maintaining a population cap could require Switzerland to abandon one of its most important agreements with the EU, the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons.
The agreement allows citizens of EU member states and Switzerland to live and work freely in each other’s territories and is considered a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship between the two sides.
According to Jans, even approaching a population threshold of 9.5 million residents could have consequences for Switzerland’s diplomatic and economic ties with the EU.
He said such a development could have “a negative impact” on relations with the bloc and might ultimately “call into question the bilateral path as a whole.”
Switzerland is not a member of the European Union but maintains a complex set of bilateral agreements that regulate trade, mobility, research cooperation and other areas of economic cooperation.
Officials warn that terminating the free movement agreement could trigger a domino effect that threatens other key accords under the bilateral framework.
Representatives of Switzerland’s cantonal governments and social partners also voiced opposition to the initiative.
They cautioned that ending the free movement agreement could lead to the collapse of several additional bilateral agreements with the EU, potentially resulting in major financial losses for the Swiss economy.
Economic groups estimate that such disruptions could cost Switzerland billions of Swiss francs in lost income and could negatively affect wages and employment.
Business and labor organizations also warned that restrictions on immigration could worsen existing labor shortages in several sectors of the Swiss economy.
Switzerland relies heavily on workers from EU and European Free Trade Association countries to fill positions in industries such as healthcare, construction, hospitality and engineering.
Limiting the entry of foreign workers could make it more difficult for companies, hospitals and public institutions to recruit qualified personnel, potentially affecting productivity and the delivery of essential services.
The Federal Council also said the initiative could have implications for Switzerland’s participation in the Schengen Agreement and the Dublin Regulation.
These agreements enable Switzerland to cooperate with European partners on border management, visa policy and asylum procedures.
According to government officials, withdrawing from these frameworks could complicate border security operations and create challenges in managing asylum applications.
Despite the government’s warnings, supporters of the initiative maintain that population growth driven by immigration is placing increasing pressure on Swiss infrastructure and public services.
Advocates argue that rising population levels are contributing to housing shortages, heavier traffic congestion and increased demand for public transportation and healthcare services.
Some supporters also claim that immigration has contributed to higher crime rates and greater strain on social systems, though these claims remain debated among policymakers and researchers.
The upcoming vote reflects broader discussions within Switzerland about balancing economic growth, immigration policies and quality of life.
Switzerland has experienced steady population growth in recent decades, driven in part by its strong economy and demand for skilled labor from abroad.
The referendum scheduled for June 14 will give Swiss voters the final say on whether the proposed population cap should become part of the country’s constitutional framework.
For now, the Federal Council and parliament have made their position clear, urging citizens to reject the initiative in order to protect Switzerland’s economic interests, maintain its international agreements and ensure continued cooperation with European partners.
