A nationwide vote on a radical far-right plan to restrict Switzerland’s population to 10 million ends this weekend, with experts warning of severe economic damage if the measure passes. Approval would force the government to cap residents at that level by 2050 and impose strict limits on family reunification, residency permits and asylum once the figure hits 9.5 million. Should the threshold be crossed earlier, the Swiss People’s Party proposal would require withdrawal from the EU free-movement accord, cutting access to the single market. Switzerland’s direct-democracy system permits such initiatives after collecting 100,000 signatures in 18 months. Referendums occur four times annually and have long served the anti-immigration SVP. The population has risen 23 percent since the 2002 free-movement deal, while economic output grew roughly 24 percent. Foreign residents now make up 27 percent of the total. Backers argue that mainly EU inflows strain housing, schools, transport and welfare. The SVP claims uncontrolled immigration is accelerating growth too rapidly and harming daily life. The seven-member cabinet, which includes SVP ministers, opposes the plan and says it endangers stability and prosperity. Both parliamentary chambers, the trade-union federation, the employers’ association and Economiesuisse also recommend rejection. Economist Rudolf Minsch called the idea a simplistic attempt to address complex issues. SVP lawmaker Thomas Matter rejected those criticisms, insisting immigration must remain moderate and controlled. While other European populist parties have capitalized on migration concerns, no country has previously held a direct vote to freeze its population size, noted demographer Philippe Wanner. Switzerland, like much of Europe, relies on immigration amid low birth rates and an ageing population expected to see those over 65 rise from 21 percent to more than 27 percent by 2055. Recent polls show the “no” side ahead at around 52 percent, though the margin remains narrow. Most votes arrive by mail, with stations open briefly on Sunday. Passage requires both a national majority and support in a majority of the 23 full and six half cantons. Results are expected by late Sunday afternoon.
