Abstimmung über 10-Millionen-Frage : Die Schweiz will größer werden
Mit 55 Prozent Nein-Stimmen setzten die Schweizer:innen am Sonntag ein deutliches Zeichen gegen Abschottung.
Das ging auf keine Kuhhaut: Wahlwerbung der rechtspopulistischen SVP vor dem 10-Millionen-Referendum
Manuel Geisser/Keystone/ap
Am Ende war es deutlich: Eine Mehrheit der Schweizer Stimmbevölkerung hat am Sonntag gegen die „Nachhaltigkeitsinitiative“ der Schweizerischen Volkspartei (SVP) gestimmt. Sie wollte die Wohnbevölkerung rigoros bei 10 Millionen Menschen deckeln und die Zuwanderung drastisch einschränken.
Erste Umfragen vor wenigen Wochen hatten noch ein „Ja“ prognostiziert. Je näher die Abstimmung kam, desto mehr verlor die Initiative aber an Rückhalt. Am Ende setzten die Schweizer:innen, bei leichten Schwankungen je nach Meinungsforschungsinstitut, mit knapp 55 Prozent Nein-Stimmen ein deutliches Zeichen gegen die Abschottung.
Dennoch geht der Sonntag in die Geschichte des Alpenlandes ein. Noch nie wurde in der Schweiz so viel Geld gegen eine Initiative mobilisiert. Das breite Bündnis des Nein-Lagers, das von Linken bis hin zu den Wirtschaftsverbänden reichte, brachte rund neun Millionen Franken auf, die rechte SVP drei Millionen weniger.
Dieser Rekord ist nicht verwunderlich. Die Initiative hätte tiefgreifende Folgen gehabt, auch für Deutsche. Sie schrieb nicht nur vor, dass die Schweizer Wohnbevölkerung die Marke von zehn Millionen Menschen bis ins Jahr 2050 nicht überschreiten darf, sondern gab konkrete Handlungsanweisungen, damit die Anliegen auch durchgesetzt werden.
Asylrecht verschärfen, Familiennachzug einschränken
Bereits bei 9,5 Millionen Einwohner:innen hätte das Asylrecht verschärft und der Familiennachzug eingeschränkt werden sollen. Ab der Überschreitung der Zehn-Millionen-Marke hätte die Schweiz das Personenfreizügigkeitsabkommen mit der EU kündigen müssen. Aktuell zählt das Land rund 9,1 Millionen Einwohner:innen.
Der Plan hätte vor allem künftige Migrant:innen getroffen. Das betrifft besonders Deutsche, die die größte Zuwanderungsgruppe stellen: aktuell leben über 330.000 in der Schweiz. Statt offener Grenzen hätte der Staat die Zuwanderung rationieren müssen.
Trotz des Neins am Sonntag ist der Abstimmungskampf als Gewinn für die rechtspopulistische SVP zu lesen. Sie hat es geschafft, ihre Kernanliegen – die Begrenzung der Migration und Herauslösung der Schweiz aus der EU – mit einer Vorlage zu verbinden, sodass wochenlang nur ihre Themen diskutiert wurden.
Rassistisch geprägter Diskurs
Besonders die Frage, wer dazugehört und wer nicht, sorgte für einen rassistisch geprägten Diskurs. Während das Ja-Lager Falschaussagen streute, wonach Migrant:innen nicht arbeiten würden und kriminell seien, reduzierte das Nein-Lager sie vor allem auf ihre wirtschaftliche Nützlichkeit.
Strategisch geschickt war der Schachzug der SVP, die eigenen nationalistischen Anliegen unter dem Deckmantel der „Nachhaltigkeit“ zu verpacken. Die Rechtspopulist:innen argumentierten mit dem Alltag der Menschen: volle Züge, verstopfte Autobahnen, Zersiedelung und Wohnungsnot. All das, so das Versprechen, sollte sich mit einer Annahme der Initiative in Luft auflösen.
Strategisch geschickt war der Schachzug der SVP, die eigenen nationalistischen Anliegen unter dem Deckmantel der Nachhaltigkeit zu verpacken.
„Die Partei bediente damit ein diffuses Unbehagen, das viele Menschen tatsächlich teilen“, sagt die Politologin Sarah Bütikofer auf Anfrage der taz. Die Schweizer Bevölkerung ist in den letzten 20 Jahren um rund 20 Prozent gewachsen – deutlich schneller als ihre Nachbarländer.
Politologin: „Gratismentalität“
Von der Zuwanderung hat die Wirtschaft allerdings auch stark profitiert. Sie wächst kontinuierlich um ein bis zwei Prozent pro Jahr. Viele Branchen wären ohne gut ausgebildete Arbeitskräfte aus dem Ausland längst kollabiert. Doch das rasante Wachstum habe auch Kosten, sagt Bütikofer. Und auf die hätte man in den letzten Jahren zu wenig geschaut, stattdessen herrsche eine „Gratismentalität“.
In den Großräumen Genf und Zürich sind die Mieten explosionsartig gestiegen; ärmere Schichten werden zunehmend an die urbanen Ränder gedrängt. Und auch die Züge sind auf gewissen Strecken oft überfüllt – nur verhindert ausgerechnet die SVP im Parlament einen Ausbau des Schienenverkehrs.
In diese Gemengelage hinein platzierte die Partei ihre einfache Botschaft: weniger Menschen, weniger Probleme. Doch während die urbane Schweiz das Manöver durchschaute und die Initiative ablehnte, verfing das populistische Versprechen vor allem im ländlichen Raum. Immerhin haben insgesamt 45 Prozent der Bevölkerung die Vorlage angenommen.
Es dürfte nicht die letzte dieser Art gewesen sein. Seit dem Jahr 2000 hat die Schweizer Stimmbevölkerung rund 20-mal über Migrationsfragen abgestimmt. Den letzten großen Coup landete die SVP 2014 mit der Annahme der „Masseneinwanderungsinitiative“ .
Das erweckt den Eindruck, die Schweiz sei f…
Read the full article at taz – die tageszeitung →📄Source document: Swiss People's Party (SVP)→19 reports
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Bias read (Center): The article presents the outcome of the referendum without overtly favoring either side. It mentions the SVP's position and their reaction but also notes the relief among other groups, providing a balanced summary of the event without using biased language or selective sourcing.
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Bias read (Center): The article presents the outcome of a referendum without overtly favoring either side. It acknowledges the SVP's arguments while also highlighting the broader recognition among voters of the potential risks of strict immigration controls. The tone remains balanced, avoiding strong endorsements or pe
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Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about the referendum results and potential consequences without overtly favoring any political side. It provides context about the initiative’s implications for Switzerland and Germany but does not exhibit clear bias in language or framing.
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Bias read (Center): The article presents the outcome of a referendum in a neutral manner, focusing on the rejection of the initiative and the financial aspects of the campaign without overtly favoring either side. It does not use loaded language or emphasize one perspective over another.
taz – die tageszeitungIndependentCenter7 days ago A referendum in Switzerland shows a trend towards rejecting restrictions on immigrationA referendum in Switzerland appears to have rejected a proposal to impose a strict cap on population growth through immigration restrictions. Preliminary estimates suggest around 55% of voters opposed the initiative put forward by the right-conservative Swiss People's Party (SVP). The rejection was significantly influenced by the French-speaking western part of Switzerland and urban areas. Since the introduction of free movement of people in 2002, Switzerland's population has grown by nearly a quarter, reaching 9.1 million people. Right-wing parties across Europe have been capitalizing on anx
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about the referendum results without overtly favoring any side. It includes quotes from both the SVP and an independent polling institute, providing balanced context about the outcome and factors influencing it. There is no evident editorializing or biased ph
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Bias read (Center): The article presents the outcome of a national referendum without overtly favoring any side. It includes quotes from both supporters and opponents of the proposal, providing balanced perspectives. There is no evident editorializing or biased language.
Die WeltParty-aligned🔒Center7 days agoThe Swiss population referendum on an upper limit for the number of inhabitants has released its first forecast.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a referendum forecast without apparent ideological framing. It does not show clear bias through language, sourcing, or emphasis.
Tagesschau (ARD)State / PublicCenter7 days ago Stefanie Dodt from ARD Geneva on the Swiss referendum regarding a population capThe article mentions Stefanie Dodt from ARD Geneva commenting on an upcoming referendum in Switzerland regarding a population ceiling.
Bias read (Center): The subject matter does not involve political controversy. The article only references a commentator discussing a referendum, without taking a stance or providing biased framing.
Frankfurter Allgemeine (FAZ)Independent🔒Center7 days ago Public referendum: Swiss reject a population capA referendum in Switzerland has rejected the 'No 10-Million-People Switzerland!' initiative, with 55% of voters opposing it. The Social Democrats describe this as a 'historic victory for an open Switzerland.'
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a referendum result without taking a stance or using biased language. It presents the outcome and a statement from the Social Democrats neutrally.
Die WeltParty-aligned🔒Center7 days ago Swiss referendum: Swiss voters clearly reject population ceiling - VideoA referendum in Switzerland has rejected a proposal to set a population cap.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a referendum result without apparent framing or slant. It presents the outcome factually, with no indication of biased language, sourcing, or emphasis.
Deutsche Welle (English)State / PublicCenter7 days agoSwiss voters rejected a proposal to cap the country's population at 10 million by 2050. The initiative, supported by the Swiss People's Party (SVP), aimed to address concerns over overcrowding and strain on public services due to high levels of immigration. Final results showed 54.8% of voters opposed the measure, while 45.2% supported it. Critics warned of potential negative consequences, including disruptions to the free movement of labor with the EU and shortages in healthcare and care workers.
Bias read (Center): The article presents both sides of the debate without overtly favoring one perspective. It includes quotes from supporters of the proposal (focusing on immigration concerns) and critics (highlighting economic and social risks). The framing remains neutral, avoiding loaded language or selective focus
Official sources cited
- government SRF (Swiss National Broadcaster)
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Bias read (Center): The article presents a neutral summary of the situation without overtly favoring any side. It mentions the proposal was introduced by a hard-right party but does not editorialize or frame the issue with ideological bias.
Focus OnlineParty-alignedCenter7 days agoSwiss voters are set to decide on a referendum regarding an upper limit for population growth.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual summary of an upcoming referendum without apparent ideological framing, word-choice, or emphasis that suggests a particular political leaning. It does not include quotes, opinions, or contextual elements that would indicate a slant.
Der SpiegelIndependentCenter7 days agoSwiss voters have decided in a referendum whether to cap the population at ten million inhabitants. Preliminary estimates suggest a clear outcome.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a referendum result without taking a stance or using biased language. It presents the situation neutrally, focusing on the fact that preliminary calculations indicate a clear decision was made by Swiss voters.
n-tvParty-alignedCenter8 days agoThe article discusses an upcoming referendum in Switzerland, asking whether there should be a limit on the number of Swiss citizens, potentially capping it at ten million.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the referendum question without overtly favoring either side, focusing on the fact that the vote is taking place rather than expressing opinion or emphasizing one perspective over another.
Deutsche Welle (English)State / PublicCenter8 days ago Swiss to vote on whether to cap population at 10 millionSwiss voters will have the opportunity to decide on a far-right initiative aimed at limiting future immigration. The article raises questions about the potential economic implications of approving the proposal and its effects on Switzerland's European neighbors.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the issue neutrally by describing the initiative as 'far-right' without endorsing or criticizing the framing. It focuses on raising questions about the economic and regional impacts rather than taking a stance on the proposal itself.
Süddeutsche ZeitungIndependent🔒Center10 days agoThe article discusses a referendum in Switzerland regarding whether to limit the population to ten million people.
Bias read (Center): The subject matter is not inherently politically charged. The article appears to be reporting on a specific referendum topic without evident ideological framing or bias.
Deutsche Welle (Deutsch)State / PublicRight11 days ago The number of people in Switzerland is limited.Switzerland is holding a referendum on June 14 regarding the 'No Ten Million Switzerland' initiative, proposed by the right-populist Swiss People's Party (SVP). The initiative aims to cap the resident population at ten million by 2050. The debate involves economic, social, and nationalistic considerations. Experts like Tobias Heidland from the Kiel Institute for World Economics note potential challenges in managing migration and attracting highly qualified individuals.
Bias read (Right): The article frames the initiative as a proposal by the right-populist SVP, emphasizing nationalist and anti-immigrant motivations. While it mentions economic concerns, the emphasis on limiting population growth aligns with right-leaning policies. The framing highlights the SVP's role without counter
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Bias read (Center): The article presents an analytical discussion without overtly favoring any particular stance. It explores the topic objectively, considering possible policy directions and public reactions without clear ideological framing.
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