Swiss voters rejected a right-wing initiative to cap the permanent population at 10 million, according to early results published Saturday.
The Swiss People’s Party argued rapid immigration strained housing and transport, but opponents said limits would choke industries reliant on skilled foreign workers.
Turnout appeared robust in German-speaking cantons where the proposal polled strongest during the campaign.
Business federations celebrated, warning that a yes vote would have violated bilateral agreements with the European Union on labor mobility.
Environmental groups split, some fearing caps would block refugees while others hoped slower growth would protect alpine ecosystems.
Official tallies expected Sunday will confirm whether margin exceeds projections shown in initial cantonal samples.
Immigration attorneys said the defeat preserves existing permits for cross-border commuters who staff Swiss hospitals and tech firms.
Campaign volunteers for the People’s Party vowed to reintroduce narrower quotas through cantonal ballot initiatives rather than national constitutional amendments.
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Sources:
https://apnews.com/