Swiss voters will decide on Sunday whether to support a controversial proposal to limit the country’s population, in a closely watched referendum that has sharply divided opinion along political and economic lines. Part of Switzerland’s system of direct democracy, voting is expected to be tight, with no clear results indicated before the vote.Also read: Why is Switzerland voting to limit its population to 10 million?Voting booths will be open only for a few hours before closing at noon (1000 GMT/3:30 PM IST). Most ballots had already been cast by post, with the first results expected by the afternoon.The far-right Swiss People’s Party (SVP) has taken the initiative, calling it “No to Switzerland of 10 million!” It is said.Here’s everything you need to know:
- The proposal seeks to prevent Switzerland’s population from exceeding 10 million (one crore) before 2050.
- Its population is currently about 9.1 million (91 lakh), up from 7.3 million (73 lakh) in 2002 and 8.3 million (83 lakh) a decade ago.
- More than a quarter of the population (27%) is foreign-born, making immigration a major driver of growth.
- Critics argue that the measure could harm industries that rely on foreign workers and strain Switzerland’s relations with the European Union (Switzerland is not a member of the bloc).
- If this measure is adopted, the Swiss government may ultimately need to end the agreement on the free movement of people with the European Union, which provides Switzerland with most of its workforce.
- However, Switzerland’s largest political party, the SVP, argues that “drastic measures” are needed to curb what it calls “mass immigration”.
- The party blames immigration for a number of challenges, including housing shortages, rising rents, overcrowded trains and traffic congestion.
- Despite widespread opposition from the government, parliament, and business groups, the proposal reached a nationwide vote through Switzerland’s system of direct democracy.
- Under Swiss law, any initiative that collects at least 100,000 signatures from eligible voters within 18 months can be put to a public referendum.
- Opinion polls suggest the referendum could be hotly contested, although recent polls indicate opposition to the proposal has gained a slight lead.
- According to CNN, citing pollster GFS.Bern, 52% of respondents oppose population limits, giving the “no” camp a slight lead ahead of Sunday’s vote.
military service referendumSwiss voters will also decide on a referendum challenging a parliamentary bill that would make access to citizen services harder. The proposal comes as European countries seek to strengthen their armed forces amid heightened security concerns following the Russia-Ukraine conflict.Switzerland has compulsory military service for men, although those who object on conscientious grounds may opt for civilian service instead. The government argues that the increasing number of people choosing civilian service has become a cause for concern, while opponents warn that these changes could undermine the established option of military service. Surveys show that the vote is likely to be close here too.