Why Switzerland wants to keep its population at 10 million
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Is it possible to limit a country's population by law? Switzerland is holding a referendum on Sunday to find an answer to this question. The country's citizens will vote for or against a proposal to cap the population at 10 million.
The proposal, supported by the right-wing Swiss People's Party, is being promoted as a "sustainable development initiative." The party claims that controlling the population would reduce pressure on housing, public services, and the environment.
However, the Swiss government, major political parties, business organizations, and labor unions are opposing the initiative. According to them, if implemented, it would lead to a shortage of essential workers, including in hospitals and the hospitality sectors. Additionally, Switzerland's relationship with the European Union (EU) could be damaged.
In 2002, Switzerland's population was 7.3 million. Currently, it has risen to 9.1 million, of which about 27 percent are foreign nationals.
Many Swiss citizens are concerned about overcrowding, expensive housing, and rising healthcare costs. The latest opinion polls suggest the vote could be very close. One poll found that 52 percent of voters oppose the proposal, while 45 percent support it. Many voters remain undecided.
Nils Fiechter, a parliament member from the canton of Bern and a leader of the Swiss People's Party, believes Switzerland is losing its identity due to uncontrolled immigration. According to him, immigration is responsible for the housing crisis, traffic congestion, pressure on schools, and increased strain on social services.
On the other hand, Helene Zenis, a Bern city council member and Social Democrat leader, rejects these arguments. In her view, blaming immigrants for high rents, health insurance costs, or infrastructure problems does not solve the issues but instead creates division in society.
According to the proposal, Switzerland's population must not exceed 10 million before 2050. Once the population reaches 9.5 million, the government would need to take restrictive measures.
Such measures could include reducing the number of asylum seekers and limiting opportunities for family members of foreign workers to join them in Switzerland.
Furthermore, if the population reaches 10 million, Switzerland might have to terminate some international agreements, including the treaty on the free movement of people with the European Union.
Economiesuisse, a Swiss business organization, has expressed concern over this. Rudolf Minsch, the organization's chief economist, said that if the proposal passes, Switzerland's relationship with the EU could become complicated.
He pointed out that the EU is Switzerland's most important trading partner, and maintaining a stable and clear relationship with its main trading partner is in Switzerland's best interest.
Source: BBC