Friday, February 13 2026 - Switzerland is set to vote on a proposal that would cap the country’s population at 10 million, in what is seen as another push by anti-immigration campaigners to tighten migration controls.
The proposal was put forward by the Swiss People’s Party,
the largest party in parliament, after gathering enough signatures to force a
nationwide referendum scheduled for June 14, according to government officials.
Data from Switzerland’s federal statistics office shows the
country had about 9.1 million residents by the end of the third quarter of
2025. In recent years, roughly 30 percent of the population has been made up of
people born abroad, with many migrants arriving from European Union countries
and some later gaining Swiss citizenship.
If approved, the proposal would introduce legal limits
preventing Switzerland’s permanent resident population, including citizens and
foreign residents, from exceeding 10 million before 2050.
The initiative also suggests that if the population reaches
9.5 million before that deadline, the government would begin implementing
measures to slow growth. These could include tightening asylum rules,
restricting family reunification, limiting residence permits and renegotiating
international agreements.
Supporters argue that controlling population growth is
necessary to protect Switzerland’s environment, natural resources,
infrastructure and social welfare system from excessive pressure.
The referendum reflects Switzerland’s system of direct
democracy, where citizens regularly vote on national policy decisions several
times each year.
However, critics from across the political spectrum warn
that the proposal simplifies a complex issue and could harm the country’s
economic and diplomatic ties. They point out that Switzerland relies heavily on
foreign workers in sectors such as healthcare, hospitality, construction and
education.
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