Older Voters and Urban Residents Reject Swiss Population Cap

Older voters and city residents in Switzerland played a key role in defeating a right-wing proposal to cap the country's population at 10 million in a recent referendum. The plan, backed by the Swiss People's Party, aimed to limit immigration but was rejected by a 55%-45% margin.

Older voters and urban residents have decisively rejected a right-wing proposal to cap Switzerland's population at 10 million, according to the results of Sunday's referendum. The Swiss People's Party initiative, which was ultimately defeated by a 55%-45% margin, tapped into fears about overcrowding and immigration's strain on public services.

The proposal, which threatened Switzerland's free movement of labor with the EU, garnered its strongest support from younger voters and rural areas. However, 60% of voters aged 65 and above, along with majorities in major cities, opposed the measure. In response, government and business leaders, who had warned about potential economic repercussions, expressed relief.

Despite the rejection, the Swiss People's Party has vowed to continue its campaign against what it sees as uncontrolled immigration. Meanwhile, the Swiss government is working on ratifying an accord with the European Union to bolster economic ties, amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainties.