A survey shows immigration is a major concern, but mainly because of the infrastructure requirements.
The latest ‘Opportunity Barometer 2024’ shows 65% are worried about the country hitting 10 million inhabitants. It’s believed there will be more down sides than positives.
The main concerns are housing and traffic congestion. Although people are also worried about internal security, welfare costs and strain on the health system – but to a far lesser extent.
People do believe immigration will improve economic growth – but they don’t think they’ve benefited from recent growth anyway.
Concerns about immigration is highest, unsurprisingly, with right-wing voters – but it is an increasing worry for a wider section of people.
But it seems most do believe some immigration is required, 28% want to stop it entirely, but 19% favour completely open borders.
The survey is ahead of the ‘No to Ten Million’ initiative launched by the Swiss People’s Party. It says the government must take action to severely limit immigration if more than 9.5 million live in the country by 2050.
The Federal Statistics Office says it doubts the population will reach 10 million. It expects it to reduce naturally beforehand.
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