Early results from a Swiss referendum on Sunday show that voters have rejected a proposal by the right-wing Swiss People’s Party (SVP) to cap the country’s population at 10 million. A projection by the national broadcaster SRF indicated that approximately 55% of voters were against the measure, while about 45% were in favor. Preliminary results shared by the federal government also showed nearly 55% rejection with a nationwide turnout of almost 59%. The “sustainability initiative” sought to limit the population to 10 million by 2050. According to the reports, if the population reached 9.5 million before that date, the government would have been forced to restrict asylum, family reunification, and residency permits. Also, a “yes” vote would have obliged the government to scrap the free movement of people agreement with the European Union, which would end Switzerland’s access to the bloc’s single market. The SVP, which holds the most seats in parliament, argued the initiative was necessary because population growth has strained Swiss infrastructure, housing, social programs, natural resources, and the national way of life. However, the federal government, Parliament, and the business association EconomieSuisse opposed the idea. Opponents warned the measure would threaten national stability, harm the economy, and damage relations with the EU. Some critics have labeled the proposal a “Swiss Brexit” due to these potential consequences. Data shows Switzerland’s population grew by 23% since the 2002 free movement agreement, reaching 9.1 million at the end of last year. During that same period, economic output increased by 24%. While foreigners make up nearly one-third of the population, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development reported that Switzerland had a foreign-born population of 32% as of 2024. Experts noted that while many countries have immigration limits, none have ever voted to limit a total population.