Switzerland's citizens are set to vote in a referendum that could impose a population cap of 10 million people, a move that experts warn would be disastrous for the country's economy.
The cap, proposed by the country's dominant populist-right SVP party, would require the government to impose tight restrictions on immigration once the population reaches 10 million, effectively choking off the flow of foreign talent that invigorates the Swiss economy.
Switzerland's ability to attract clever people makes it more productive and innovative, consistently sitting near the top of talent-magnet rankings.
A population cap would also disrupt Switzerland's relationship with Europe, requiring it to renegotiate its relationship with the EU and potentially depriving Swiss citizens of the freedom to live and work in other European countries.
Experts estimate that the economic loss over 20 years could be as high as SFr500bn ($628bn), a significant blow to an economy of just $1.15trn.
While voters may be tempted by the idea of controlling the pace of societal change, there are less crude ways of doing so, such as regulating the inflow of migrants and favouring the more skilled.
Voters should vote 'no' to the population cap, which would be a recipe for economic disaster.
