Warnings of economic consequences similar to Brexit discouraged backing for the referendum aimed at imposing a population cap in Switzerland.
Early projections on Sunday indicated that the Swiss appeared to have rejected a contentious anti-immigration proposal to limit the country’s population. Soon after polling stations closed at noon, initial estimates from the GfS.bern institute suggested around 55 percent opposition to the initiative, which had triggered warnings of "chaos" and severe repercussions for Switzerland’s economy and its ties with the European Union.
"We are very relieved and delighted. This is a significant outcome for our nation and for our relationship with the EU," said Monika Ruhl, director of the business association Economiesuisse, in comments to Swiss public broadcaster RTS.
Opinion surveys had indicated that the vote, conducted under Switzerland’s system of direct democracy, would be closely contested.
Tensions had been especially high surrounding the "No to a Switzerland with 10 million!" initiative, proposed by the far-right Swiss People’s Party (SVP). That measure sought to implement policies to prevent the wealthy Alpine country’s population—currently 9.1 million—from exceeding 10 million by 2050.