Swiss voters reject plan to cap population at 10 million

Swiss voters have rejected a plan to stop the country’s population rising above 10 million.

Early federal results showed about 55% voted against the proposal, with turnout close to 59%.

The plan was backed by the right-wing Swiss People’s Party, which said immigration was putting too much pressure on housing, transport, schools and public services.

Opponents warned the cap could hurt the economy and put Switzerland’s free movement deal with the European Union at risk.

If approved, the proposal would have forced tighter rules on asylum, family reunification and residence permits once the population reached 9.5 million.

Switzerland has about 9.1 million people, with foreign nationals making up nearly a third of the population.