Switzerland to vote on population cap initiative, civil service act in June

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - The Swiss Federal Council said it has decided to submit two issues to a nationwide popular vote on June 14, including an initiative that seeks to cap the country’s permanent resident population and changes to the federal civilian service law.

In a statement on Wednesday, the government said the ballot will include the popular initiative titled "No to ten million Switzerland!" and a reform of the civilian service act.

According to the text of the initiative, which is backed by the right-wing Swiss People's Party, Switzerland’s permanent resident population "must not exceed 10 million people before 2050." From 2050, the Federal Council could adjust the limit annually in line with natural growth.

The proposal would require federal and cantonal authorities to take measures to ensure sustainable population development, including environmental protection and safeguarding infrastructure and social systems.

The initiative says that if the population exceeds 9.5 million before 2050, the government and parliament would be required to act, particularly in areas such as asylum and family reunification.