Swiss voters have expressed strong support for reliability and openness, confirming the continuation of the bilateral path, according to German lawmaker David McAllister, chair of the European Parliament’s foreign affairs committee. He stated that Switzerland remains dedicated to its European ties and is willing to address challenges pragmatically and cooperatively.
The referendum was initiated by the Swiss People’s Party, which claimed it would alleviate environmental and public service pressures. This party has a long-standing history of opposing immigration.
The “no” campaign emphasized the potential negative effects of immigration restrictions on sectors like healthcare, where many workers are foreign-born. It also highlighted the potential negative impact on Switzerland’s relationship with the EU and the dangers of isolation in a volatile geopolitical climate.
Switzerland’s population is currently 9.1 million and is expected to exceed 10 million by the early 2040s. Currently, about 28 percent of the population was born outside Switzerland.
The close outcome of the vote — with 45 percent supporting the proposal and a 59 percent turnout — is expected to increase pressure on the government to take significant actions in response to public concerns about immigration.
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