Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
For decades Switzerland’s economy has thrived on foreign talent but a referendum on capping the country’s population at 10 million is threatening that success.
The proposal has been put forward by the right-wing Swiss People’s Party, the SVP, which is warning of a ‘population explosion’ due to immigration.
Supporters argue a population cap is the only way to ease housing shortages but opponents argue relations with the European Union could deteriorate if adopted and the Swiss economy would be negatively impacted.
So, is Switzerland prepared to risk relations with the EU and its economic future to curb its population growth?
Joining Enda Brady for this discussion:
Reto Foellmi
Professor of International Economics
Gunilla von Hall
Journalist
Jennifer Sciubba
Demographer and CEO of Population Reference Bureau
Walther Michl
Professor of European Law
#Switzerland #immigration #population #Swiss #referendum #europe #europeanpolitics
Roundtable is a discussion programme with an edge. Broadcast out of London and presented by Enda Brady, it's about bringing people to the table, listening to every opinion, and analysing every point of view. From fierce debate to reflective thinking, Roundtable discussions offer a different perspective on the issues that matter to you. Watch it every weekday at 15:00 GMT on TRT World.
For decades Switzerland’s economy has thrived on foreign talent but a referendum on capping the country’s population at 10 million is threatening that success.
The proposal has been put forward by the right-wing Swiss People’s Party, the SVP, which is warning of a ‘population explosion’ due to immigration.
Supporters argue a population cap is the only way to ease housing shortages but opponents argue relations with the European Union could deteriorate if adopted and the Swiss economy would be negatively impacted.
So, is Switzerland prepared to risk relations with the EU and its economic future to curb its population growth?
Joining Enda Brady for this discussion:
Reto Foellmi
Professor of International Economics
Gunilla von Hall
Journalist
Jennifer Sciubba
Demographer and CEO of Population Reference Bureau
Walther Michl
Professor of European Law
#Switzerland #immigration #population #Swiss #referendum #europe #europeanpolitics
Roundtable is a discussion programme with an edge. Broadcast out of London and presented by Enda Brady, it's about bringing people to the table, listening to every opinion, and analysing every point of view. From fierce debate to reflective thinking, Roundtable discussions offer a different perspective on the issues that matter to you. Watch it every weekday at 15:00 GMT on TRT World.
