Swiss immigration debate comes to head in population cap referendum

Switzerland will vote this Sunday in a landmark referendum on whether to cap its population at 10 million, a proposal that has exposed deep divisions over immigration and could put the country on a collision course with the European Union.

If approved, Switzerland would become the first European country to impose a formal limit on its population, as German media reports.

Voters will be asked a straightforward question on June 14: Should Switzerland's population be capped at 10 million?

The initiative was put forward by the right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP), the country's largest political party, which argues the measure is necessary to ensure the country's long-term sustainability.

Switzerland's population currently stands at just over 9 million, up from 8.3 million a decade ago. More than one-quarter of residents were born abroad, according to government figures.

The SVP argues on its campaign website that "uncontrolled immigration is causing Switzerland to grow far too quickly," that the "negative consequences are noticeable in all areas of life" and that "many feel increasingly like strangers in their own country."

Business groups, however, warn that limiting population growth could damage Switzerland's economy by making it harder for companies to recruit workers.

Jürg Müller, director of the Swiss think tank Avenir Suisse, said the country is experiencing growing pressure on housing and public infrastructure, partly as a result of its strong economic performance.

"You see the tensions on housing markets, infrastructure… access to lakes… it feels for many people too crowded." The SVP "have taken this feeling and transformed it into this initiative," he said.

Although the proposal faces broad opposition from across the political spectrum, Switzerland's system of direct democracy allows any initiative supported by at least 100,000 eligible voters within 18 months to be put to a nationwide referendum.

Recent opinion polls suggest the vote could be decided by a narrow margin. Surveys conducted in early May showed support and opposition running neck and neck, while more recent polling by gfs.bern indicates opponents have opened a slim lead, with 52% planning to vote against the proposal.

By Nazrin Sadigova