Swiss vote on capping population at 10 million to curb immigration, with EU free movement at stake

The proposal

Swiss voters head to the polls today to decide whether to enshrine a population cap of 10 million into the constitution, a measure driven by the right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP). The amendment would require the government to restrict immigration once the resident count reaches 9.5 million and to withdraw from the EU's free movement of persons agreement if the 10 million threshold is hit before 2050. The country's population stands at 9.1 million, with forecasts pointing to 10 million by 2035.

A tight contest

Polls indicate a race too close to call, with opponents holding a narrow advantage of only a few percentage points in recent surveys. Turnout on Sunday could decide the outcome, analysts say. The SVP has previously used Switzerland's direct democracy to push anti-immigration measures, including bans on minarets and face veils. This time, the party framed the initiative as a "sustainability initiative" to protect the Alpine landscape and ease pressure on housing and transport.

We want to protect what we love: a pleasant Switzerland to live in.

EU free movement at risk

If the population passes 10 million, Switzerland would be forced to terminate the free movement accord with the European Union, triggering a "guillotine clause" that would dismantle all bilateral trade agreements. The Swiss government has urged a no vote, warning that the economy, heavily reliant on exports to the EU, would be severely disrupted. Earlier, US President Donald Trump imposed the highest American tariffs on Swiss goods, underlining the country's vulnerability.

If 'yes' is voted, we will end up in isolation.

Deepening divides

Supporters argue that uncontrolled immigration has strained infrastructure, the housing market, and public services. Lukas Golder, co-director of the GMS polling institute, noted that around three-quarters of the population feels infrastructure is overloaded. A rapidly aging society depends on foreign workers, especially in healthcare. German care worker Maria Reichhart voiced her anxiety about losing the right to stay.

We are not against immigration, but it must be moderate and controlled. Earlier we had qualitative immigration; now we have quantitative immigration.

What's next

If the initiative passes, the government would have until 2050 to manage the cap, with immediate steps to limit family reunifications and new asylum applications once the 9.5 million mark is reached. A rejection would leave the status quo, but the SVP is unlikely to abandon its campaign against immigration-fueled growth. Results are expected later this afternoon.