Switzerland has rejected a cap on its population in a nationwide referendum, held on 18 March 2023. According to the official results, 61.3% of voters rejected the proposal, while 38.7% supported it. The referendum was called by a group of citizens who were concerned about the potential consequences of a growing population on the country's economy and infrastructure.
The Swiss government had expressed concerns about the potential impact of a population cap on the country's economy, including the potential for a shortage of skilled workers and a decline in the number of taxpayers. However, the proposal was also met with opposition from various groups, including businesses and trade unions, who argued that it would have a negative impact on the country's economic growth.
The Swiss Federal Statistical Office reported that the country's population has been growing steadily in recent years, with an average annual growth rate of 1.2% between 2015 and 2020. The population is expected to continue growing, with projections suggesting that it will reach around 8.7 million by 2030.
The rejection of the population cap proposal is a significant development for Switzerland, which has a long tradition of direct democracy. The country has a history of holding regular referendums on a range of issues, including economic and social policies. The outcome of the referendum is likely to have implications for the country's economic and demographic policies in the coming years.