Budapest Post

Cum Deo pro Patria et Libertate
Budapest, Europe and world news

Switzerland voters overwhelmingly reject bid to limit EU immigration

The country previously voted to restrict free movement, but has since witnessed the fallout from the UK's 2016 Brexit vote.

Voters in Switzerland have handed a crushing defeat to a nationalist party's proposal to limit the number of European Union citizens allowed to live and work in their country.

The plan was rejected by 61.7% of voters, compared to 38.3% who were in favour, according to Swiss public broadcaster SRF.

All but four of the country's 26 regions opposed the plan proposed by the Swiss People's Party to give preferential access to jobs, social protection and benefits to people from Switzerland over those from the 27-nation bloc that surrounds it.

The government had warned the measure could further damage the rich Alpine's country's deep and lucrative ties to the EU.

Had it been passed, it would also have triggered reciprocal disadvantages for millions of Swiss citizens if they want to live or work in the EU.

Justice Minister Karin Keller-Sutter welcomed the result, saying: "Especially at this time, during the difficult economic situation caused by the coronavirus crisis, good relations with our neighbours and with the EU are important."

She added that Switzerland would continue to pursue a "bilateral path" with the EU, eschewing membership of the bloc while seeking close economic ties with it.

But she also acknowledged misgivings that many Swiss have about immigration, saying "freedom of movement doesn't just have benefits".

"The Federal Council only wants as much immigration as necessary," Ms Keller-Sutter said. "That continues to be our goal."

Around 1.4 million EU citizens live in the country of about 8.6 million, while around 500,000 Swiss live in EU countries.

Some are dual citizens and would not have been affected by any restrictions.

In a similar referendum in 2014, the Swiss narrowly voted in favour of limiting EU citizens' freedom to live and work in Switzerland.

Politicians refused to fully implement that referendum over fears of a detrimental impact on Swiss society and businesses, prompting the People's Party to put the issue back on the ballot again this year.

Since the last vote, Switzerland has witnessed the fallout from the UK's 2016 Brexit vote, especially for EU citizens in Britain and Britons living on the continent.

One voter in Geneva, Yann Grote, said he did not approve of further limits on freedom of movement. "I'm not at all in favour, and even more now, because it's not a time to isolate Switzerland," he said.

Another voter, Elisabeth Lopes, agreed. "I'm a daughter of immigrants, so it is a matter that touches me," she said.

"If Switzerland had to withdraw or reduce these agreements (with the EU), I think we would be the real losers."

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the result of the referendum, calling it "a positive signal to continue to consolidate and deepen our relationship."

Turnout was higher than in most recent referendums, with almost 60% of voters going to the polls or casting their ballots by mail.

AI Disclaimer: An advanced artificial intelligence (AI) system generated the content of this page on its own. This innovative technology conducts extensive research from a variety of reliable sources, performs rigorous fact-checking and verification, cleans up and balances biased or manipulated content, and presents a minimal factual summary that is just enough yet essential for you to function as an informed and educated citizen. Please keep in mind, however, that this system is an evolving technology, and as a result, the article may contain accidental inaccuracies or errors. We urge you to help us improve our site by reporting any inaccuracies you find using the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of this page. Your helpful feedback helps us improve our system and deliver more precise content. When you find an article of interest here, please look for the full and extensive coverage of this topic in traditional news sources, as they are written by professional journalists that we try to support, not replace. We appreciate your understanding and assistance.
Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
Satirical Sketch Sparks Political Spouse Feud in South Korea
Indonesia Quarry Collapse Leaves Multiple Dead and Missing
South Korean Election Video Pulled Amid Misogyny Outcry
Asian Economies Shift Away from US Dollar Amid Trade Tensions
Netflix Investigates Allegations of On-Set Mistreatment in K-Drama Production
US Defence Chief Reaffirms Strong Ties with Singapore Amid Regional Tensions
Vietnam Faces Strategic Dilemma Over China's Mekong River Projects
Malaysia's First AI Preacher Sparks Debate on Islamic Principles
Meta and Anduril Collaborate on AI-Driven Military Augmented Reality Systems
Russia's Fossil Fuel Revenues Approach €900 Billion Since Ukraine Invasion
Alcohol Industry Faces Increased Scrutiny Amid Health Concerns
U.S. Goods Imports Plunge Nearly 20% Amid Tariff Disruptions
Italy Faces Population Decline Amid Youth Emigration
Trump Accuses China of Violating Trade Agreement
OpenAI Faces Competition from Cheaper AI Rivals
Foreign Tax Provision in U.S. Budget Bill Alarms Investors
Russia Accuses Serbia of Supplying Arms to Ukraine
Gerry Adams Wins Libel Case Against BBC
EU Central Bank Pushes to Replace US Dollar with Euro as World’s Main Currency
U.S. Health Secretary Ends Select COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations
Trump Warns Putin Is 'Playing with Fire' Amid Escalating Ukraine Conflict
India and Pakistan Engage Trump-Linked Lobbyists to Influence U.S. Policy
U.S. Halts New Student Visa Interviews Amid Enhanced Security Measures
Trump Administration Cancels $100 Million in Federal Contracts with Harvard
SpaceX Starship Test Flight Ends in Failure, Mars Mission Timeline Uncertain
King Charles Affirms Canadian Sovereignty Amid U.S. Statehood Pressure
EU Majority Demands Hungary Reverse Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws
Top Hotel Picks for 2025 Stays in Budapest Revealed
Iron Maiden Unveils 2025 Tour Setlist in Budapest
Chinese Film Week Opens in Budapest to Promote Cultural Exchange
Budapest Airport Launches Direct Flights to Shymkent
Von der Leyen Denies Urging EU Officials to Skip Budapest Pride
Alcaraz and Sinner Advance with Convincing Wins at Roland Garros
EU Ministers Lack Consensus on Sanctioning Hungary Over Rule of Law
EU Nations Urge Action Against Hungary's Pride Parade Ban
Putin's Helicopter Reportedly Targeted by Ukrainian Drones
U.S. Considers Withdrawing Troops from Europe
Russia Deploys Motorbike Squads in Ukraine Conflict
Critics Accuse European Court of Human Rights of Overreach
Spain Proposes 100% Tax on Non-EU Holiday Home Purchases
German Intelligence Labels AfD as Far-Right Extremist
Geert Wilders Threatens Dutch Coalition Over Migration Policy
Hungary Faces Multiple Challenges Amid EU Tensions and Political Shifts
Denmark Increases Retirement Age to 70, Setting a European Precedent
Any trade deal with US must be based on respect not threats', says EU commissioner
UK Leads in Remote Work Adoption, Averaging 1.8 Days a Week
Thirteen Killed in Russian Attacks Across Ukraine
High-Profile Incidents and Political Developments Dominate Global News
Netanyahu Accuses Western Leaders of 'Emboldening Hamas'
Ukraine and Russia Conduct Largest Prisoner Exchange of the War
×