Voters Reject 10 Million Population Cap by 54.79 Percent to 45.21

BERN - Swiss voters rejected the Sustainability Initiative on Sunday, 54.79 percent no to 45.21 percent yes. The cap on a permanent resident population of 10 million by 2050 also failed among the cantons, with only 8 full cantons and 4 half-cantons in favour. Turnout was 58.86 percent, well above March.

Zurich recorded about 40 percent yes. Geneva 34.6 percent, Vaud 35.5 percent, Neuchatel 32.7 percent. Appenzell Innerrhoden reached 65.9 percent yes. The map was the Swiss map of city and countryside, drawn in one colour.

A lost initiative that will linger

SVP speakers said 45 percent is a mandate to keep going. The Federal Council said it was a decision. The EU package in autumn will be heard through this night, as our session report later shows.