Swiss voters turned down the right‑wing Swiss People's Party's proposal to cap the national population at 10 million, with 55% rejecting the measure, research institute gfs.bern reported. Turnout reached 58%, higher than in recent referenda. The initiative, dubbed “No to ten million,” sought to curb immigration‑driven growth that has pushed the resident count to 9.1 million.

Supporters argued overcrowded trains, congested roads and a tight housing market stemmed from “uncontrolled” immigration, linking the cap to a potential end of free movement with the EU. Urban cantons such as Geneva, Vaud and Basel‑City voted overwhelmingly against the limit, while the rural canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden backed it with 66% in favour.

The defeat signals Swiss voters’ preference to maintain EU labor ties, a point echoed by Social Democratic co‑president Cédric Wermuth and economiesuisse chief Monika Rühl. At the same time, a separate civilian‑service reform passed with 52.5% support, tightening eligibility and aiming to reduce civilian‑service enrollments. The twin outcomes reflect a nuanced stance on immigration and defence obligations.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen tweeted approval, emphasizing that the vote preserves deep Swiss‑EU ties. Analysts note the result may slow any push to rescind the 2002 free‑movement agreement, keeping a key source of skilled workers for Switzerland’s high‑tech sectors. The referendum thus reinforces the status quo on cross‑border labor.