The Swiss population recently voted in a referendum deciding whether to reduce immigration from the European Union (EU). However, the proposition was turned down. Over five million Swiss voters cast their votes to make a decision on whether to retract an agreement that facilitates free people movement across the country with the EU.
Underlying Agreement
Switzerland, though not an EU member, has a series of mutually beneficial treaties with Brussels, the headquarters of the EU. These agreements permit it access to Europe’s free trade area. From 1992-2002, Switzerland negotiated and signed its first bilateral agreements with the EU. These agreements led to their interconnections and included the provision of free people movement, which received backing through a vote in 2000.
Switzerland is also part of the EU’s Single Market that allows people to work and move freely in Switzerland and all 27 EU countries. Approximately 1.4 million of the 8.2 million people living in Switzerland are EU citizens, and around 500,000 Swiss citizens reside in other EU countries presently.
Implications of Terminating the Agreement
If the agreement ends, the Swiss government will need to single-handedly nullify its free movement agreement with the EU by invoking a ‘guillotine clause’. This decision would affect other bilateral agreements related to research, transport, and trade with the EU, potentially causing disruptions in economic activities.
Driving Force Behind the Current Referendum
The referendum was introduced by the right-wing Swiss People’s Party (SVP), citing concerns about the agreement leading to overpopulation and placing an undue burden on the nation’s welfare system. The vote was initially scheduled for May but was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. An earlier referendum in 2014 had benefited from majority support to limit EU citizens’ access to live and work in Switzerland. However, lawmakers did not enforce this decision.
Public Sentiment and Outcome
The move, sometimes referred to as Swexit, has not garnered widespread support among Swiss voters. A recent survey showed more than 60% of respondents were against it, with a mere 35% in favor and the rest remaining undecided.
Arguments For and Against the Proposal
Proponents argue that the anti-free movement plan would allow Switzerland greater control over its borders and grant Swiss citizens preference for jobs and benefits. Critics, on the other hand, warn that abandoning the agreement could severely strain Swiss-EU relations and push a robust economy into recession. It would also rob countless Swiss citizens of their freedom to work and live across Europe.
Other National Referendums
Swiss citizen participation extends beyond immigration issues. The country’s direct democracy system allows its population a say in their own affairs. The people are regularly invited to vote on various national or regional referendums. During this particular voting period, alongside the freedom of movement measures, other major nationwide referendums considered included paternity leave, tax breaks for child care, the right to hunt wolves, and acquisition of new fighter planes costing around USD 6.5 billion by 2030.
