Switzerland will vote on June 14 on a proposal by the right-wing populist Swiss People’s Party (SVP) to cap the country’s permanent resident population at ten million people. This initiative, which links population figures to constitutional obligations, directly challenges Switzerland's bilateral relations with the EU and risks isolating the nation with significant political and economic consequences.
The SVP argues Switzerland has reached a "breaking point" due to population growth, which rose 26.6% from 7.2 to 9.1 million between 2000 and 2025, causing infrastructure strain and housing shortages. However, net immigration fell by 10.5% in 2025, and migration is crucial for counteracting the ageing population and supporting the pension system. The proposal, tapping into a "Swiss special case" narrative, could compel authorities to terminate the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons with the EU if the population reaches 9.5 million, impacting trade, research, transport, and economic cooperation, given the Swiss economy's reliance on international labor.
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