Switzerland is preparing to hold an important referendum on 14 June on a proposal by the far-right party to set a population cap at 10 million, amid differing opinions on immigration.
On 12 February 2026, the Swiss government announced it will hold a major referendum on 14 June following a proposal by the far-right Swiss People's Party (SVP) to cap the country's population at 10 million. The party argues that the country is facing a population explosion that is putting pressure on public services, infrastructure, and causing housing rents to rise.
According to the proposal, the government must take action before the population reaches 10 million. If the referendum passes, the government will be required to refuse new immigrants, including refugees and family members of foreign residents in the country, once the population hits 9.5 million. Currently, Switzerland's population is about 9.1 million.
Furthermore, the proposal states that if the population reaches 10 million, the government must cancel the free movement agreement with the European Union (EU), Switzerland's largest trading partner. Although Switzerland is not an EU member, it is closely linked through over 120 bilateral agreements that grant access to the EU single market, including the freedom of movement for workers and trade in goods.
Source: BBC