The popular initiative 'No 10 Million Switzerland' aimed to strictly limit the residential population to 10 million, thereby threatening Switzerland's prosperity, quality of life, and jobs. As economic centres and innovation hubs of the country, the cities are pleased with the No at the ballot.
If the initiative had been accepted, the shortage of skilled workers would have worsened, the country's security would have been compromised, and the supply security in healthcare and the overall innovation capacity of Switzerland would have suffered. Additionally, the proven bilateral agreements with the EU would have been endangered.
The Swiss Association of Cities therefore supported the broad alliance from politics, industry, and civil society against the initiative.
Urban centres, as drivers of innovation and breeding grounds for startups, rely on motivated talents. Swiss cities have repeatedly demonstrated that they can handle transformations and growth while ensuring a diverse, cultural, and attractive urban life. This applies to the design of their city spaces, mobility, housing, or infrastructure. To continue this in the future, especially in light of demographic and climate change, greater flexibility and well-coordinated collaboration are needed, such as investments in public transport, the promotion of social housing, the design of new neighborhoods, and quality internal development. The existing challenges can only be solved with joint and constructive reforms.