Swiss voters are set to decide on a far-right initiative this weekend, including June 14, to impose a cap on the country's population. The proposal would require the government to implement restrictions to limit the population to 10 million by the year 2050.
If approved, the measure would force the government to take action if the population reaches 9.5 million before the 2050 deadline. Such actions would include enacting tough restrictions on asylum, residency permits, and family reunification. This initiative reflects a broader European trend where the rise of far-right parties is pressuring governments to introduce stricter immigration controls and challenging the long-held consensus that open borders drive economic growth.
Warnings have been issued regarding the potential devastating consequences for the economy of one of the world's richest countries. The outcome could force the government to curb immigration within four years and potentially end virtually all immigration in the coming decades. Furthermore, the vote could put pressure on Switzerland's free-movement agreement with the European Union.