THEODORA PETER The aim of the immigration-sceptical SVP’s “No to a Switzerland of 10 million” initiative was to have a population cap enshrined in the constitution. This would have meant Switzerland’s resident population not being allowed to exceed 10 million before 2050. There are currently 9.1 million people in Switzerland. The authorities would have had to have curbed migration sharply once the population reached the 9.5-million threshold – which it will in the next five to 10 years, forecasts say. In tabling the initiative, the SVP ultimately wanted Switzerland’s agreement with the EU on the free movement of people to be terminated (see Swiss Review 2/2026). The proposal failed to gain traction among 54.8 per cent of voters and a majority of cantons, after the government and parliament argued that the “radical” initiative was a danger to Swiss prosperity. The vote polarised debate, driving 58.9 per cent of the electorate to the polls. This is the highest turnout since Switzerland gave its verdict on the 13th state pension payment. The two sides ploughed a combined total of some 15 million Swiss francs into the voting campaign – the biggest outlay since the entry into force in 2022 of a law obliging political parties and stakeholders to disclose details of their funding. Opponents of the initiative had more money to play with – nine million francs compared to the six million francs that the yes camp had at its disposal. The “No to a Switzerland of 10 million” initiative was particularly unpopular in French-speaking Switzerland and in towns and cities in general, whereas it attracted significant support in central and eastern Switzerland (see map). The biggest yes vote (65.9 per cent) came in the canton of Appenzell-Ausserrhoden, the lowest in the canton of Basel-Stadt (26.5 per cent). Approval was almost as low among the Swiss Abroad (29.8 per cent), after the Council of the Swiss Abroad publicly rejected the initiative. Federal Council: “voters give thumbs-up to the bilateral approach” The Federal Council believes the result is “a sign of stability, openness and reliability”, Justice Minister Beat Jans (SP) told the media in Berne, adding that it was a thumbs-up to the Swiss-EU bilateral approach from voters who want stability at a geopolitically and economically uncertain time. In Brussels, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen responded to the result with diplomatic reserve. “The EU and Switzerland share deep ties and a strong partnership. We will continue working together to modernise and deepen our cooperation,” she wrote on X. Both sides are currently in the process of ratifying the negotiated set of Swiss-EU agreements. The Swiss parliament will debate the package in autumn, before voters again have the final say (see pages 24 and 25). Meanwhile, the SVP has lost out again – only six years since its “For moderate immigration” initiative was rejected by around 57 per cent of voters. Its latest attempt to convince voters was considered to have a greater chance of success. Indeed, the “No to a Switzerland of 10 million” slogan found widespread resonance, given the drawbacks that have come with rapid population growth (from seven to nine million inhabitants in the last 25 years). The ensuing housing shortage, for example, has seen high demand push up the price of rents (see Swiss Review 2/2026). A no vote “will not solve a single problem”, warned SVP President Marcel Dettling moments after the result. The issues highlighted by the initiative would continue to dog Voters thwart SVP immigration initiative Around 55 per cent of the electorate rejected the SVP’s “No to a Switzerland of 10 million” initiative on 14 June. An overwhelming 70 per cent of expatriate voters dismissed the proposal. The majority of Swiss are evidently unwilling to jeopardise freedom of movement. The cross-party alliance opposing the SVP’s “No to a Switzerland of 10 million” initiative celebrates the result of the 14 June vote. Photo: Keystone Swiss Review / July 2026 / No. 3 26 Politics
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