ZURICH – Swiss voters are increasingly embracing a controversial ballot measure that would impose a 10 million person ceiling on their nation’s population, according to new polling data released Wednesday.
The survey findings show 52% of respondents now favor or lean toward supporting the June 14 referendum, while 46% oppose the measure. This represents a notable shift from March polling that showed 45% in support and 47% against the population cap proposal.
Switzerland’s government has come out against the initiative, which is championed by the right-wing Swiss People’s Party (SVP). Officials argue the measure would undermine relationships with the European Union and weaken the economy through labor market restrictions.
However, growing concerns about rapid demographic changes and strain on public services are driving voter sentiment toward the proposal, according to the Tamedia poll conducted with “20 Minuten” newspaper and Leewas polling.
The Alpine nation currently houses more than 9 million residents, with government statistics indicating foreign nationals comprise over 27% of the population as of 2024.
Polling company researchers surveyed 16,176 people on April 22-23, with results published in the Tages-Anzeiger newspaper. The survey carries a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.
The timing of increased support breaks typical Swiss voting patterns, where referendum proposals usually see declining backing as election day approaches, the newspaper noted.
If approved, the measure would mandate that Switzerland’s permanent resident population cannot surpass 10 million before 2050. The country would also need to terminate its freedom of movement pact with the EU.
This referendum comes as Swiss legislators examine a late-2024 agreement with the EU aimed at strengthening economic partnerships, following a difficult 2025 when Switzerland faced Europe’s steepest U.S. trade tariffs.
The SVP, which holds the largest share of seats in Switzerland’s parliament, opposes deeper EU integration, viewing such ties as threats to national independence and sources of excessive regulation.
