On Sunday Swiss voters will decide on the “No to ten million” immigration initiative. This unprecedented proposal for a population cap is also being scrutinised internationally. Another subject up for vote is tightening access to civilian service. You can find all the results here.

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June 14, 2026 – 11:45

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Crowded? A summer scene on the lakeside in Zurich.

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Swiss Politics

‘No to ten million’ vote – should Switzerland cap its population?

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Apr 14, 2026

On June 14, the Swiss will vote on a right-wing initiative aiming to cap immigration.

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People are carrying out renovation work on drystone walls in the Muota Valley, in the canton of Schwyz, as part of their community service.

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Swiss Politics

Swiss voters to decide on stricter rules for conscientious objection

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Apr 20, 2026

The Swiss parliament wants to make it more difficult to switch from military to civilian service. The political left is against the reform. Voters will decide on June 14.

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Should the Swiss population be capped at 10 million?

How many people do you think Switzerland can realistically host? Let us know what you think.

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Demographics

Is a Swiss population cap to reduce immigration an unprecedented idea?

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May 13, 2026

A popular initiative is calling for restrictions so that Switzerland’s population does not exceed ten million before 2050. Is it the first proposal of its kind?

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Switzerland's population reaches 10 million

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Swiss Politics

A population cap of ten million: simple in theory, tricky in practice

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Apr 9, 2026

In June, Swiss voters will have their say on an initiative to limit future population growth. Could the idea actually be implemented?

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Immigration in Switzerland, migration, foreign nationals, referendums in Switzerland

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Swiss Politics

Twenty initiatives in 60 years: Switzerland’s relentless immigration debate

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May 6, 2026

Immigration has boosted Switzerland’s economy but repeatedly challenged its political system. Yet the arguments in this debate have barely changed over the decades.

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Free movement in graphs:

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Swiss Politics

Eight graphs on free movement and the Swiss economy

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Apr 30, 2026

Since 2002, EU citizens have been able to freely settle and work in Switzerland. What impact has this had on the country’s economy?

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Camille Kündig

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Moving abroad

How to vote from abroad as a Swiss citizen

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Jun 25, 2025

Living outside Switzerland doesn’t mean losing your right to vote. Yet only a small percentage of Swiss citizens living abroad actually cast their ballots. Here’s a short guide on how to vote from abroad.

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Swiss democracy

How Swiss direct democracy works

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Mar 31, 2025

What do direct democratic tools like popular initiatives and referendums really entail? And how has this unique system evolved over time? 

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Moving abroad

Voting from abroad: How to register for Swiss elections

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Oct 16, 2024

Switzerland grants voting rights to its citizens living abroad. If you want to exercise your voting rights, you must first get on the electoral register.

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