The SVP uses this poster to campaign for a Yes vote.
KEYSTONE
Switzerland is growing – and the SVP wants to put a stop to it: A maximum of ten million people by 2050, the initiative demands. Critics warn that a Yes vote could break the bilateral agreement with the EU.
What are we voting on in the SVP’s “No 10 million Switzerland” initiative?
The popular initiative “No 10 million Switzerland (sustainability initiative)” calls for Switzerland’s permanent resident population not to exceed ten million people before 2050.
The initiative is detailed and contains a step-by-step mechanism:
The initiative is the SVP’s third attempt to restrict immigration by amending the constitution.
Back in 2014, the party narrowly prevailed with the mass immigration initiative (50.3% in favor). This demanded annual maximum numbers and quotas for residence permits. However, the Federal Council and parliament only implemented them to a limited extent so as not to jeopardize the bilateral path with the EU. This resulted in the so-called “priority for Swiss nationals light”, which obliges companies to advertise job vacancies in Switzerland first.
The SVP responded with the Limitation Initiative, which was clearly defeated in 2020 (61.7% no). It explicitly called for an end to the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons.
The party is now making a new attempt with the “10 million initiative” – this time with the argument of protecting prosperity, the environment and quality of life. Critics see this as another attempt to indirectly call into question the free movement of persons.
What are the arguments for a Yes vote?
The SVP criticizes what it sees as “uncontrolled immigration” – as with previous initiatives.
The strong population growth leads to congested roads and railroads, rising rents and increasing urban sprawl, argue the initiators. Capacities in the healthcare system and social services are also reaching their limits.
The party links the issue to the protection of the homeland: “Switzerland, our fatherland, our dear homeland, is bursting at the seams,” said co-initiator Thomas Matter. Only a numerical limit could ensure sustainable growth.
According to the SVP, around 40,000 skilled workers could come to Switzerland every year even if the initiative is voted in favor – provided that restrictions are placed on asylum and family reunification. The SVP emphasizes that the initiative is not intended to stop immigration, but to control it.
What are the arguments for a No vote?
The broad No camp – from the Federal Council to centrist parties and trade unions – warns of a “chaos initiative”.
If Switzerland were to terminate the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons, the rest of the Bilateral Agreements I would automatically cease to apply due to the guillotine clause. Central agreements on transport, trade, agriculture and public procurement would be affected. Cooperation on Schengen and Dublin could also come under political pressure.
Opponents speak of a chaos initiative.
KEYSTONE
Opponents fear serious economic and social consequences: Without immigration, the ageing of society would worsen, which would further exacerbate the labor shortage. Sectors such as care, construction, tourism and gastronomy are particularly dependent on foreign workers. According to calculations by the Swiss Federation of Trade Unions, there is a risk of pension losses of over CHF 2,000 per year and higher health insurance premiums of around CHF 250 on average due to the lack of younger contributors.