Majority rejects immigration ban against 10-million-strong Switzerland
Published: Tuesday, Sep 10th 2024, 07:12
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Almost two thirds of the Swiss population are worried about the idea of a 10-million-strong Switzerland. Nevertheless, according to a study, three out of five respondents reject a ban on immigration to control immigration.
As the "Opportunities Barometer 2024" study published in Lucerne on Tuesday shows, as many as 74% of people in rural areas are worried about a Switzerland with 10 million inhabitants. In the agglomeration, the figure is 65 percent, in the city 63 percent. For the representative study conducted by the private Larix Foundation, the Demoscope survey institute interviewed over 6,300 people from all parts of the country.
61% rejected a ban on immigration as a measure to control immigration. A ban on immigration for people outside the EU/EFTA was narrowly rejected. The political integration of residents with foreign citizenship or the construction of more roads were also narrowly rejected as measures to control immigration.
Expanding public transport
On the other hand, the expansion of public transport (73% approval), working beyond the AHV retirement age and more daycare centers in order to make better use of the domestic workforce potential (70% approval) met with over 70% approval.
Over 65% would be in favor of a control system in which only people with sufficient points for education or language skills would be allowed to immigrate. A ban on rezoning (57% in favor), a cap on rental prices (56% in favor) and an additional levy for immigrants on existing public infrastructure (53% in favor) received a narrower approval rating of over 50%.
Housing shortage feared
The biggest challenge facing a Switzerland of 10 million is the lack of housing and high rental costs, according to 43% of respondents. This was followed by the fear of more traffic and congestion (33%), rising social welfare expenditure (26%) and changes to Swiss culture (25%).
Higher AHV contributions and the stabilization of old-age pensions (15 percent) are seen as positive opportunities for immigration, ahead of greater diversity and multiculturalism (13 percent) and more staff in the healthcare sector (9 percent).
Incorrect estimate of immigration
Basically, 80 percent of respondents misjudged the average population growth and the origin of those arriving. According to the study, the population has increased by 79,168 people per year over the last ten years.
Respondents' personal perceptions were also misleading when it came to the origin of those entering the country. They estimated that around 47% came from EU/EFTA countries, whereas in reality the figure was just under 70%.
On the other hand, they assumed that around 23 percent came to Switzerland from other European countries. In reality, the figure was just over 10%. Respondents also significantly overestimated the origin of Africa at over 16%: in reality, it was 4%.
©Keystone/SDA
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