Swiss say "No" to population control

Switzerland on Sunday rejected a proposal to cap its population at 10 million as voters

prioritised economic stability and ties with the European Union over

worries immigration was stretching public services and pushing up rents.

A preliminary tally of a nationwide referendum showed almost 55% of Swiss voters

came out against the proposal, and 45% in favour.

The vote, which was likened to Britain's 2016 Brexit referendum,

had put businesses on edge due to concerns it could end the free movement

of labour between Switzerland and the EU, the country's main trading partner.

Championed by the right-wing Swiss People's Party, the

proposal stipulated that the population must not exceed 10

million before 2050, and that if it did so for two years,

Switzerland should end freedom of movement with the EU.

The government had urged voters to reject the cap. Swiss

Justice Minister Beat Jans welcomed the result but pledged to

analyse what further steps could be taken to satisfy voter

concerns about housing and immigration.

"With today's decision, the electorate has sent out a signal

of stability, openness, and reliability," Jans told a press

conference alongside Swiss President Guy Parmelin.

Urs Bieri from pollster GFS Bern said the cap failed to pass

because while concern about population growth is widespread, people were worried it could damage Swiss relations with the EU and make it harder to recruit staff, and find workers like carers.

"Also there's a feeling that in the current international

environment, it's not sensible for a small country to do this,"

Bieri said.