You are connecting from Lake Geneva Public Library, please login or register to take advantage of your institution's Ground News Plan.
Published 1 day ago • loading... • Updated 21 hours ago
Swiss Voters Set to Reject 10 Million Population Cap, Poll Shows
GFS Bern found 52% of 19,400 respondents oppose the measure, which would end free movement with the European Union.
Swiss voters appear set to reject a referendum proposal limiting the country's population to 10 million by 2050, according to a Wednesday poll from GFS Bern for SRG showing about 52% of 19,400 respondents oppose the initiative.
Concern regarding rapid population growth has fueled support for the proposal, with supporters citing infrastructure strain on housing, transport, schools, and hospitals due to increased immigration.
The initiative, which goes to a vote on June 14, stipulates Switzerland should end its freedom of movement accord with the European Union, a measure the right-wing SVP launched.
Opponents warn that a legal immigration limit would cause a breach with the European Union, Switzerland's main trade partner, arguing the proposal would damage cooperation and hurt the economy.
A previous poll showed the Swiss evenly split at 47% in favour and 47% against, while other arguments for the proposal include using immigration controls to protect the environment and curb crime.