Swiss voters decide on national population cap proposal

Swiss voters are casting their ballots in a referendum regarding a proposal to cap the country's population at 10 million by 2050. Spearheaded by the right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP), the initiative aims to address concerns over housing, public services, and infrastructure strain. Currently, the population of Switzerland is approximately 9.1 million. If approved, the measure would require the government to implement restrictions on asylum and family reunification once the population reaches 9.5 million, a milestone projected for the 2030s. If those measures are deemed insufficient to prevent hitting the 10 million ceiling, Switzerland could be forced to terminate its free movement of labor agreement with the European Union. Opponents, including the government and labor unions, warn that the plan could lead to economic isolation and severe labor shortages. Public opinion remains divided, with early polls showing majority support and more recent surveys indicating a closer contest. Results are expected to be announced later this afternoon.