Party delegates unanimously approved the launch of the so-called “sustainability” initiative entitled “No Switzerland of 10 million” at a special meeting in Küssnacht am Rigi on Saturday. A people’s initiative allows citizens to put an idea on any topic to national vote, as long as they collect the requisite 100,000 signatures within a period of 18 months.
The goal of the People’s Party’s proposed initiative is to oblige the Swiss government to immediate curtail requests for asylum and family reunification once Switzerland’s population exceeds 9.5 million, at the latest. The Alpine nation had a resident population of 8.8 million at the end of 2022.
The proposed initiative also requires that the Swiss population should not exceed 10 million before 2050. Otherwise, the government will be required to revisit international agreements, including the free movement of persons with the European Union and a potential United Nations pact on migration.
Last year saw 190,500 people moving to Switzerland, a 15% increase on the previous year, according to the Federal Statistical Office. With emigration numbers rising only slightly to 120,400, net migration (the difference between arrivals and departures) thus climbed by 43.5% to 70,100.
In 2022, Switzerland registered 24,500 asylum-seekers, which was 64% more than the previous year. This figure does not include some 75,000 Ukrainian refugees, who received a special protection status through an accelerated registration process.
Popular Stories
More
Climate adaptation
Why Switzerland is among the ten fastest-warming countries in the world
Has your continent reached its peak or is there still potential for economic growth?
Some regions of the world are on an upward trajectory with the promise of a steadily improving future. Where do you live? And in which direction is your region or continent developing?
Living longer: What do you think about the longevity trend?
The longevity market is booming thanks in part to advances in the science of ageing. What do you think of the idea of significantly extending human lifespan?
WTO improves its world trade forecast thanks to Trump’s tariffs
This content was published on
The World Trade Organisation (WTO) expects world trade to grow by 0.9% this year, better than expected in April. US imports surged in the first quarter as a result of Donald Trump's tariff announcements.
Swiss gold exports might not face US tariffs after all
This content was published on
Gold exports to the United States may not be taxed after all. The White House plans to "issue an executive order in the near future to clarify misinformation regarding the taxation of gold bullion," among other things.
Heat warning issued in western and southern Switzerland
This content was published on
With the coming days set to be hot, authorities have declared a danger level of 3 out of 5 for certain parts of the country.
Switzerland concerned by fresh Israeli plans for Gaza
This content was published on
The foreign ministry has said it is “deeply concerned” about Israel’s plans to expand military operations in the Gaza Strip.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Immigration spurred Swiss population growth in 2022
This content was published on
The resident population in the Alpine Nation increased by 0.8% to 8.8 million last year, with immigration offsetting a historically low birth-rate.
Who are the two million foreigners living in Switzerland?
This content was published on
The issue of immigration regularly features at the ballot box in Switzerland. On February 28 voters will decide whether to back a rightwing initiative to enforce the deportation of convicted foreigners. Who are the foreign residents living in small alpine nation?
The four ingredients of a successful people’s initiative
This content was published on
The people’s initiative is the fundamental instrument of Swiss direct democracy, but what's needed to make it successful?
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.