Bern, Switzerland. A slim majority of Swiss voters support a June 14 referendum proposal to cap Switzerland’s population at 10 million, according to an opinion poll published on Wednesday. The survey showed support has increased since early March.
Poll findings and trend
A survey by media group Tamedia with newspaper “20 Minuten” and polling institute Leewas found 52% of 16,176 respondents in favour of the proposal or leaning that way, while 46% opposed it, with the rest giving no opinion. The poll was conducted on April 22 and 23 and published in newspaper Tages-Anzeiger, and it had a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.
A previous poll from early March showed 45% backing the initiative and 47% against it. The newspaper said the latest result was unusual because Swiss referendum proposals generally lose support as voting day approaches.
Proposal details
Under the proposal, the permanent resident population must not exceed 10 million before 2050. It also calls for Switzerland to abandon its freedom of movement agreement with the EU.
Government position and public concerns
The government has rejected the initiative backed by the right-wing Swiss People’s Party (SVP), saying it will hurt cooperation with the European Union and damage the economy by restricting the labour market. The survey said concern about rapid population growth and pressure on public infrastructure is encouraging support for the proposal.
Switzerland’s population is now more than 9 million, with official data showing foreign nationals accounted for more than 27% by 2024.
Broader political context
Swiss lawmakers are debating a Swiss-EU deal struck in late 2024 to deepen economic ties, after a challenging 2025 that saw Switzerland unexpectedly hit with the highest U.S. trade tariffs in Europe. The SVP, Switzerland’s biggest party, opposes closer integration with the EU, viewing it as a threat to Swiss sovereignty and a source of excess regulation.
How will you vote on the June 14 referendum to cap Switzerland’s population at 10 million?
