ZURICH: A plan by Switzerland’s right-wing People’s Party to cap the population at 10 million has the backing of almost half the country, according to a poll before an expected vote next year.
The party, which has long campaigned against immigration, argues that too-fast population growth is overwhelming housing, transport and public services.
The level of support comes despite the government urging voters to reject it, warning that strict curbs would damage the economy and prosperity as Swiss companies depend on foreign workers.
The poll by newspaper group Tamedia/20 Minuten showed that 48% of the population planned to vote in favour of the plan. Supporters said that a plebiscite will be held as early as June, but the government hasn’t confirmed that yet. — Bloomberg
