The popular initiative launched by the Swiss People’s Party (SVP/UDC) seeks to cap Switzerland’s permanent resident population at 10 million by 2050. Once the population reaches 9.5 million, measures should be taken to curb immigration – with, as a last resort, the possibility of terminating certain international treaties, including the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons with the EU.
The Federal Council recommends rejecting the initiative, arguing that it would jeopardize prosperity, internal security, and the stability of international relations. Most political parties also oppose it, considering the mechanism too rigid and risky from an economic, social, and diplomatic perspective.
👉 Key issues at stake:
– Switzerland’s reliance on foreign labor in key sectors such as healthcare, construction, and services,
– the “guillotine clause” that could threaten the bilateral agreements with the EU,
– the challenge of adapting infrastructure to demographic growth.
🔎 Beyond politics, a pressing question emerges: what would such a population cap mean for companies depending on international talent – and for individuals aspiring to build their future in Switzerland?
⚠️ Potential implications include:
1. For companies: talent shortages, reduced flexibility in recruitment, and increased competition for skilled workers.
2. For individuals: higher barriers to entry, more restrictive immigration pathways, and potential uncertainty regarding long-term residency.
3. For both: increased administrative complexity, potential renegotiation of international agreements, and a less predictable business and career environment.
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