News Summary

• A preliminary tally of a nationwide referendum showed almost 55% of Swiss voters came out against the proposal, and 45% in favour.
• The vote had put businesses on edge due to concerns it could end the free movement of labour between Switzerland and the EU.
• The Swiss population already stands at 9.1 million and has grown far more quickly than in the surrounding EU.
• Foreigners make up nearly 28% of the total, which official projections forecast will reach 10 million by the early 2040s.