The Federal Council announced on February 11th that the Swiss People’s Party’s (SVP) ‘No to 10 million’ initiative will be put to a national vote on June 14th.
The amendment to the Federal Law on Civil Service will also be on the ballot at this time.
This will put an end – one way or another – to the SVP’s longstanding effort to cut the number of EU immigrants coming to Switzerland in the future, aligning it with the country’s population growth.
What is it about?
Much has been said and written about the contentious initiative.
We know that it seeks to drastically reduce the influx of foreigners to Switzerland, so that the country’s population doesn’t exceed the 10-million mark, which the populist party says will overburden key infrastructure, such as housing, public transport, the health system, and schools.
The proposal stipulates that “Switzerland’s permanent resident population must not exceed ten million people before 2050. From 2050 onwards, the Federal Council may adjust this limit annually.”
Currently, the country's population stands at just over 9 million, including nearly 2.5 million foreign nationals - that is, over 27 percent of the population.
To achieve this goal, both the federal government and the cantons must “ensure sustainable population development, in particular with a view to protecting the environment and in the interest of the sustainable conservation of natural resources, the performance of infrastructure, healthcare, and Swiss social security."
READ MORE: What exactly does the Swiss 'no to 10 million' anti-immigration proposal aim to do?
Far-reaching consequences
The SVP is alone in Switzerland in its quest to drastically curb the influx of foreigners.
All other political parties, along with the Federal Council as well as business circles, have been urging voters to reject the initiative on the grounds that it would be detrimental to the country’s economy and relations with the European Union.
While MPs acknowledge that population growth in Switzerland represents a challenge, they say limiting immigration is too drastic a step, which would harm future generations.
As for the Federal Council, ministers too are against the initiative, arguing that it would “compromise the prosperity, economy and security of the country.”
Others are also sounding the alarm about the consequences of limited immigration on the country's economy and workforce.
In an interview with The Local, Patrick Leisbach, migration and labour market expert at Avenir Suisse think tank, said that the law - if passed and implemented - “would likely weaken Switzerland’s long-term growth, innovation, and prosperity.”
On the other hand, he said: “a flexible and market-oriented migration system has served the country well. In contrast, rigid population limits and bureaucratic control would stifle economic dynamism and gradually erode one of Switzerland’s key competitive advantages.”
READ MORE: If the 'no to 10 million' proposal passes, Switzerland would be stifled
Could Swiss voters accept this proposal on June 14th?
While it is still too early for an accurate prediction, there are indications that the initiative could win the voters’ approval.
That's because surveys carried out until now indicate that nearly half of Swiss citizens support the measure.
Concretely, 48 percent of respondents back this move, while 41 percent do not.
READ MORE: Latest polls reveal Swiss anti-immigration initiative has strong voter support
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