Strong signal: No to the "10 Million Switzerland" Initiative

A majority of Swiss voters rejects the popular initiative ‘No to a Switzerland with 10 million’. scienceindustries welcomes this decision. Switzerland thus remains committed to openness, innovation and reliable framework conditions. For export-oriented and research-intensive industries, the result sends an important signal regarding the future of Switzerland as a centre for research, innovation and business, as well as a commitment to the importance of the bilateral approach.

The rejection of the initiative and its rigid population cap brings an intense and emotional referendum campaign to a close. The broad ‘No’ alliance has succeeded in demonstrating that the initiative offers no concrete solutions to the challenges it identifies, whilst simultaneously creating new problems.

Planning certainty for research, innovation and investment

For the chemical, pharmaceutical and life sciences industries, today’s result sends an important signal. The sector relies on skilled workers, international cooperation and reliable framework conditions. At the same time, it makes a significant contribution to innovation, value creation and prosperity in Switzerland. Nearly half of Switzerland’s GDP growth over the last decade is attributable to the chemical and pharmaceutical industry.

“Our industries have been investing in Switzerland as a business location for decades, creating jobs and driving innovation. Today’s decision enhances planning certainty for companies, research institutions and skilled workers. This is a key prerequisite for ensuring that investment continues to flow into Switzerland in the future,” says Stephan Mumenthaler, Director of scienceindustries.

The debate does not end with Sunday’s vote

The challenges relating to housing, infrastructure and mobility remain the subject of political debate. With today’s decision, however, the electorate has made it clear that it does not see a rigid population cap as the right answer.

“Economic success and the prosperity of the population are two sides of the same coin. Today, the majority of voters rejected a population cap that neither solves existing challenges nor meets the needs of an export-oriented and innovative country. Switzerland remains dependent on openness, international connectivity and a skilled workforce,” said Mumenthaler.

An important signal for Switzerland as a business location and for relations with the EU

Today’s referendum result is also an endorsement of the successful model of the bilateral approach and sends an important signal to the European Union as Switzerland’s most important trading partner. scienceindustries will continue to advocate for framework conditions that strengthen innovation, competitiveness and the future viability of Switzerland as a business location. This benefits companies, employees and future generations alike.

Further information:

Stephan Mumenthaler, Director

Tel. 079 593 91 63, stephan.mumenthaler@scienceindustries.ch

Nadine Lumme, Projektleiterin Kommunikation & Public Affairs
Tel. 079 358 63 61, nadine.lumme@scienceindustries.ch