An important referendum is taking place in Switzerland on Sunday. With this, people will decide whether the country’s population should not be allowed to increase by more than 1 crore by 2050 or not. This proposal has sparked a big debate in the country regarding immigration i.e. people coming from abroad. The proposal is supported by the right-wing Swiss People’s Party. The party says that due to rapidly increasing population, shortage of houses, crowding in trains, pressure on health services and environmental problems are increasing. Therefore it is necessary to impose a limit on population.
The government, other political parties, business organizations and trade unions are opposing this proposal. He says that this will lead to shortage of employees in hospitals, hotels and many industries. Besides, Switzerland’s relations with the European Union (EU) may also deteriorate.
Population increased by 18 lakhs in 24 years
The population of Switzerland was 73 lakh in 2002, which has now increased to 91 lakh. There are 27% people in the total population of the country who were born abroad. There is a system of direct democracy in Switzerland, where voting can be conducted on any issue by collecting 1 lakh signatures.
According to the latest survey, the contest is very close. About 52% people are against this proposal, while 45% are in support of it. A large number of voters are still undecided. According to the proposal, if the population reaches 95 lakhs, the government will have to take steps to control it. This could include reducing the number of refugees and limiting the right of foreign workers to bring their families to Switzerland.
What is the harm from 1 crore population?
If the population reaches 10 million, Switzerland may have to end some international agreements. These also include an agreement with the European Union on free movement of people. Business organizations say that this will cause loss to the country, because the European Union is Switzerland’s largest trading partner. Hotels, hospitals and old age care centers depend on a large number of foreign workers. Almost half of the employees working in the hotel sector are migrants.
Opponents say that 20% of Switzerland’s population is over 65 years of age. In such a situation, the country needs young workers and tax payers. Therefore, they believe that imposing a population limit can cause less benefit and more harm.
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