Chicago – June 14, 2026
Swiss voters decide on Sunday whether to back a proposal to cap the country’s population in a referendum likened to Britain’s Brexit vote, which could have far-reaching consequences for the economy and Bern’s relations with the European Union.
Driven by concern about immigration, pressure on public services and housing, the constitutional change pitched by the right-wing Swiss People’s Party, or SVP, would mandate that the population must not exceed 10 million by 2050. Official projections put it on track to do so by the early 2040s.
The unprecedented scheme to dictate population levels by law sits alongside burgeoning efforts by the political right in Europe to set tougher curbs on immigration, fed by discontent about the cost of living, weak economic growth and crime.
“If it goes above 10 million, it will become tight, and immigration should be restricted,” said Helen Gulea, a 58-year-old seamstress and part-time kiosk worker in Zurich, originally from Kenya, who voted by post for the cap.
Results of the vote are expected to begin coming in from around midday (1000 GMT).
