Switzerland will hold a referendum on capping its population at 10 million – a move that could damage its economy and endanger lucrative agreements with the EU. The SVP, now the country’s largest political party, claims the “population explosion” has pushed public services to breaking point. Such initiatives have long been a favoured tool of the SVP, which says the “No to a 10 million Switzerland” initiative is about the country’s “sustainability”. Backers argue that a population cap would “help protect the environment, natural resources, infrastructure and the social safety net”, said The Washington Post. Any resident population cap would “threaten key agreements with the EU” and could “cripple the economy”.

Source: The Guardian February 16, 2026 11:05 UTC