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Swiss Voters Face Population Cap Proposal Amid Immigration Debate
Swiss voters to decide whether to cap population at 10m
Image: The Irish Times
Swiss voters will soon decide on the 'No 10 Million Switzerland!' initiative, which aims to cap the population at 10 million until 2050 by restricting immigration. The proposal, supported by the Swiss People’s Party, faces opposition from most political parties and industry leaders, citing potential economic repercussions and the importance of EU relations.
- 01The initiative seeks to limit Switzerland's population growth to 10 million by restricting immigration, asylum, and family reunifications.
- 02Support for the proposal has declined from 52% to 45% in recent polls, particularly among women and older voters.
- 03Critics warn that passing the initiative could lead to significant economic consequences, particularly in the watch industry and other sectors reliant on foreign labor.
- 04The debate taps into longstanding fears of losing national identity amid rising foreign national populations, currently comprising about 25% of Switzerland's population.
- 05The proposal is seen as a reflection of broader populist sentiments, with opponents arguing it could damage Switzerland's relationship with the EU.
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Swiss voters are set to decide on the 'No 10 Million Switzerland!' initiative, which proposes capping the population at 10 million until 2050 by limiting immigration and asylum. This measure, backed by the right-wing Swiss People’s Party (SVP), aims to reduce pressure on housing, healthcare, and infrastructure. However, it has been met with significant opposition from other political parties and industry leaders, who argue that it could have devastating effects on the economy, particularly in sectors reliant on foreign workers, such as the multibillion-dollar watch industry. The initiative has seen a decline in support, dropping from 52% to 45% in recent polls, especially among women and older voters concerned about future labor shortages. The debate also highlights underlying tensions regarding immigration and national identity, as many Swiss express concern over the growing foreign population, which currently makes up about 25% of the total. Critics label the proposal as a populist strategy that could jeopardize Switzerland's crucial relationship with the European Union.
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The initiative could significantly alter immigration policies, affecting various sectors of the economy that rely on foreign labor.
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