Dear MEL Topic Readers,
Swiss voters reject 10 million population cap
While Switzerland’s total fertility rate sits around 1.3, well below
the 2.1 replacement rate, its population has grown by nearly 30% in the last three
decades to 9.1 million. The driver of the population growth is foreign
residents, who now account for as much as 27% of the nation’s population. They
contribute significantly to the nation’s economy and society, particularly in
tourism, hospitals, and care homes. For example, about half of hotel workers
are now immigrants. While they become a much-needed workforce immediately, the
rapid increase in the adult population has put strain on transport, housing, and
the environment. Recently, a proposal was made by a right-wing party to cap the
nation’s population at 10 million. At the direct vote on June 14, 55% of the
voters rejected the proposal and 45% supported the population limit. Politicians
and business leaders are particularly relieved by the result because they want
to keep the country’s commitment to Europe’s free movement of people, a crucial
requirement to be part of Europe’s single market. But the 5% gap in the vote might
change to the other side depending on social stability, economic pressure, and
living conditions.
Read the article and learn about the population increase and cap in
Switzerland.
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