Switzerland

Switzerland recently held a national referendum on a proposal by the right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP) to cap the country's population at 10 million. Early projections indicate voters rejected this initiative, which had warned of devastating economic consequences and jeopardizing Switzerland's crucial relationship with the European Union. A 'yes' vote would have necessitated restricting asylum and residency permits, and terminating the EU's free movement of people agreement, a move feared by business leaders concerned about access to the EU's single market. Separately, Geneva tightened security measures ahead of anticipated anti-G7 protests, with businesses boarding up windows. In sports, Switzerland drew 1-1 with Qatar in their opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The country also saw a legal challenge by US company Palantir against a Swiss magazine dismissed by a Zurich court.