Swiss right-wing plan to cap population rejected by narrow margins

Swiss voters rejected a proposal to cap the country's population at 10 million on Sunday, with 50.1% voting against the initiative. The initiative, put forth by the Swiss People's Party (SVP), aimed to limit the permanent resident population to a maximum of 10 million people. Proponents argued that unchecked population growth strains infrastructure and the environment, citing concerns about housing shortages and increased traffic. Opponents, including the federal government and a broad coalition of political parties and business groups, warned that such a cap would harm Switzerland's economy by restricting labor supply and hindering international trade and scientific collaboration. The rejection means Switzerland will not implement a statutory limit on its population, which currently stands at approximately 8.8 million.