Switzerland will hold a referendum this summer regarding a proposal from the far-right Swiss People's Party (SVP) aimed at capping the country's population at 10 million. This initiative, titled "No to a 10 million Switzerland," is scheduled for a vote on June 10 and has garnered significant opposition from both chambers of the Swiss parliament, as well as the business community, which warns that such a cap could have detrimental effects on the national economy. Currently, Switzerland's population stands at approximately 9.1 million, and the proposed measure raises serious concerns regarding the implications for immigration policies and economic stability.

If approved, the initiative mandates action from the Swiss government to restrict immigration if the permanent resident count surpasses 9.5 million, effectively blocking entry to newcomers, including asylum seekers, and restricting family reunification for foreign residents. Furthermore, should the population hit the 10 million mark, the government would have to consider withdrawing from Switzerland's free-movement agreement with the European Union (EU), which is crucial for the country's trade and economic relations. Critics of the proposal argue that these restrictions would not only threaten Switzerland's economy but also undermine its longstanding international agreements which enable fluid movement across borders.

This proposed population limit has sparked a nationwide debate, showcasing the growing influence of far-right politics in Switzerland, and raises broader questions about nationalism and immigration in European politics. As the vote approaches, the Swiss government and various stakeholders are concerned about the potential repercussions of such a policy not only on future immigration but also on the economic landscape and Switzerland's relationship with the EU. The outcome of this referendum may serve as a bellwether for similar movements across Europe, reflecting the tension between populist sentiment and economic pragmatism.