Switzerland's Over-65s Decide Population Cap Referendum As Younger Voters Back It

Switzerland has just produced one of the most thought-provoking referendum results in Europe. The Swiss People's Party put forward a proposal to cap Switzerland's population at 10 million, arguing that mass population growth was damaging the quality of life of people in the country a concern Michael Heaver says is equally visible in England and across the continent.The result: 55 to 45 against the cap. But the split that emerged between generations is arguably the most remarkable part. Among voters aged 65 and over, 60 percent voted no meaning it was older voters who played the decisive role in rejecting the proposal. Younger Swiss voters were notably more supportive of the population cap.Switzerland's unique direct democracy system means citizens can trigger binding referendums, and the Swiss People's Party is pledging to keep up the pressure. Michael Heaver asks what happens next and whether Switzerland's political establishment can hold the line.