An April poll of 16,176 respondents shows 52% now back an SVP-sponsored referendum to cap Switzerland's permanent population at 10 million, up from 45% in March. The initiative would also end Switzerland's freedom of movement agreement with the EU and bar the population exceeding 10 million before 2050. The federal government warns the move would harm EU ties and the labour market. The gain in support is notable because Swiss measures typically lose ground as voting day approaches.
Narrow Majority of Swiss Back June Referendum to Cap Population at 10 Million, Poll Finds
A man walks onto a gateway under the Mont Blanc bridge in Geneva, Switzerland, March 18, 2026. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse
A narrow majority of Swiss now back an SVP-backed referendum to limit Switzerland's permanent resident population to 10 million, according to a large opinion poll published on April 29. Support for the proposal has risen in recent weeks, an unusual trend for Swiss referendum campaigns.
Poll Details
The survey, conducted by media group Tamedia with newspaper 20 Minuten and polling institute Leewas and published in Tages-Anzeiger, questioned 16,176 people on April 22–23. It found 52% of respondents either supported the proposal or leaned that way, while 46% opposed it and the remainder had no opinion. The poll's margin of error was ±3 percentage points.
What the Proposal Would Do
Under the initiative, the permanent resident population would not be allowed to exceed 10 million before 2050. The measure also calls for Switzerland to abandon its freedom of movement agreement with the European Union, a change the government says would have significant economic and diplomatic consequences.
Political Context and Reactions
The federal government has publicly rejected the initiative, warning it would damage cooperation with the EU and restrict the labour market, harming the economy. The Swiss People's Party (SVP), which is sponsoring the referendum set for June 14, opposes deeper integration with the EU and argues tighter immigration rules are needed to ease pressure on public infrastructure.
Switzerland's population now exceeds 9 million, and official figures show foreign nationals accounted for more than 27% of residents by 2024. Lawmakers are also debating a Swiss-EU accord agreed in late 2024 to deepen economic ties — a debate sharpened after a difficult 2025 that saw Switzerland face the highest U.S. trade tariffs in Europe.
Polling Trend
By comparison, an earlier poll in early March found 45% in favour and 47% against. The rise to 52% is notable because Swiss referendum measures more commonly lose support as voting day approaches, making this shift politically significant ahead of the June 14 vote.
Vote Date: June 14 | Sample: 16,176 respondents (Apr 22–23) | Margin of Error: ±3%
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