Switzerland votes ‘no’ in referendum on population limit – POLITICO

Swiss voters on Sunday rejected a proposal to limit the country’s population to 10 million by 2050, according to the preliminary results of a divisive referendum billed by some as the country’s Brexit moment.

Around 54 percent of those who cast ballots voted against the initiative, with 25 of the country’s 26 canton regions reporting results.

The referendum was closely watched in Brussels. A “yes” vote would have set Switzerland on a collision course with the EU, jeopardizing the country’s free-movement agreement with the bloc. Sixty percent of Swiss goods are sold to the EU, but that trade depends on their mutual pact.