The Swiss popular initiative aimed at sharply limiting immigration — if necessary by questioning the agreement on the free movement of persons with the EU — is sparking debate in economic, scientific, and political circles. This is all the more significant given that polls show supporters and opponents running neck and neck. The proposal, which will be submitted to a referendum on June 14, 2026, seeks to cap the permanent resident population at 10 million inhabitants by 2050.
Cover image ©Srephen Leonardi
The initiative entitled “No Switzerland of 10 Million!”, launched in February 2025, is backed by the Swiss People’s Party (SVP/UDC), Switzerland’s largest political party, which defines itself as national-conservative and populist. The SVP denounces what it calls an “uncontrolled” rise in immigration since 2007 and warns that the country is approaching the threshold of 10 million inhabitants (currently 9 million).
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Article authors
Thomas Schnee
Correspondent in Germany
As a Berlin correspondent for the French and Swiss press since the late 1990s, I cover a wide range of economic, political and social issues, with a particular focus on the German business and labour market. My areas of interest include co-determination, digitalisation, demographics and ESG/DEI policies.