Swiss Government Urges Electorate to Reject Population Cap Ahead of Referendum

The measure, aimed at curbing immigration to the wealthy Alpine country, is backed by the largest conservative party and will be put to a national vote in June.

A Swiss national flag flutters in a blue sky in Bourg-Saint-Pierre, western Switzerland, on June 21, 2022. Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images

The Swiss government has urged the electorate to reject an initiative aiming to cap the population at ​10 million, arguing it will restrict co-operation ‌with the European Union and harm the economy.

The initiative faces a referendum on June ​14 at a time when the government is seeking to ​deepen EU ties, which it says will safeguard ⁠market access to its main trade partner.