After the vote: Why the no is evaluated differently

With the 10 million Switzerland initiative, the SVP wanted to ensure that the permanent resident population was regulated. However, the proposal was rejected at the ballot box.

While some see the no as a sign of openness and humanity, others fear that central problems of population growth will remain unsolved. 20 Minutes spoke to young people about their reactions to the vote results:

“The country is built with the work of foreigners”

Faros (30) is originally from Lebanon. “I am very happy that the initiative was rejected,” he explains. Also: “In my opinion, this shouldn’t have been voted on. It’s racist. The country is built with the labor of foreigners.”

“You don’t have to come from Switzerland to love the country”

Wiktoria, Katharina and Valentina (all 17) are also happy that the initiative was rejected, as they say in the interview. “It would have been a disadvantage for everyone if the initiative had been accepted,” said Wiktoria, who came from Poland 11 years ago.

Katharina also says: “I think it’s great that it was rejected.” The three Basel women agree: to love Switzerland, you don’t have to be originally from Switzerland.

“I missed humanity in the debate”

Martin (30) is originally from Chile. He is happy that the initiative was rejected, as he says: “I think Switzerland should continue its humanitarian tradition. The country has done a lot in this area and it would be a shame to end it now.”

Martin goes on to say that he lacked humanity in the debate: “People always talked about numbers, but this is about people.”

“It’s also better for the economy”

Carmen and Lara (both 16) welcome the result of the initiative: “I think it’s good that it was rejected. My sister and my parents were against it,” says Carmen. And Lara says: “I think it’s better for the economy that way too.”

“Especially in Switzerland this is ridiculous”

“Luckily,” says Holly (27) when she finds out no. “This is about right-wing people who use migration as an answer to social problems.”

She continues: “This is ridiculous, especially in Switzerland. It is such a rich country that is economically dependent on foreign people. I’m glad it was rejected.”

“Leaving everything as it is doesn’t work.”

But not all young people are happy about the voting results. Some would have liked the initiative to be accepted and see population growth as one of Switzerland’s biggest challenges.

This also applies to Marta (38) from Wil, SG. She herself immigrated to Switzerland from South America – but she still supported the 10 Million Switzerland Initiative. She emphasizes that she fundamentally understands people who want to come to Switzerland to work.

“I understand that, I came myself,” she says. Nevertheless, from their point of view, immigration is now too high. She is particularly critical of the fact that the infrastructure is not keeping pace with population growth. “There are more and more cars, more and more traffic jams and less and less space for everyone.”

For them, the problem is not the individual immigrants, but the lack of investment in roads, transport and public infrastructure. “Simply taking in more and more people and leaving everything as it is doesn’t work.” Accordingly, she was disappointed by the rejection of the initiative.

“Switzerland has missed an opportunity”

Sandro (34) from Jonschwil, SG says: “I am disappointed with this result. Many people feel every month how difficult and expensive finding an apartment has become. By saying no to the initiative, Switzerland missed an opportunity to better align population growth with housing supply.”

“The need for action is obvious”

Lena (27) from Kirchberg, SG says: “Rejection does not solve any of the problems that many people experience in everyday life. Overcrowded trains, traffic jams and overloaded schools will not simply disappear. Those entitled to vote have decided against a solution, even though the need for action is obvious.”

“It’s a big problem to be able to bring family together.”

Lukas (35) from Bronschhofen, SG is disappointed: “I don’t understand how the answer came about,” he says. Anyone who rejects limiting population growth must explain how Switzerland wants to preserve its quality of life, its nature and its infrastructure in the long term.

Lukas is particularly critical of family reunification. “It is a big problem that children and grandparents can be brought over,” he says. In his eyes, it is also a huge problem that the birth rate among foreigners is significantly higher than among Swiss.