Swiss agreed to curb immigration
The initiative of the Swiss People's Party (in German Schweizerische Volkspartei, SVP) , called Einwanderungsnitiative, was approved by just 50.3% of the votes. Switzerland re-introduce annual quotas for immigration.
Only 9 cantons out of the 26, 7 situated in West-Switzerland, and those of Zürich and Zug, declined, and 17 welcomed the initiative.
In Zürich canton 52,7% said NO to the Einwanderungsnitiative. In cantons laying along the french border nearly everywhere at least 60% declined. Tessin Canton appears to be the most against mass immigration with only 31,8% who declined.
Now Switzerland will have to renegotiate its bilateral accord with the EU on the free movement of people within three years or revoke it.
‘The agreement on the free movement of people between Switzerland and the EU came into force in 2002 and is a key element of the first package of bilateral accords between the two parties. Under the deal, nationals of Switzerland and EU member states are entitled to choose their place of work and residence within the territories of the signatories.The Swiss electorate has voted three times so far on the free movement of people. In May 2000, it approved the first bilateral package and with it the free movement accord by a large majority. In 2005 and 2009, voters approved the extension of the treaty to new EU member countries, mostly in eastern Europe.’- reminds the swissinfo.
This vote could affect other bilateral agreements with the EU. The EU Commission expressed its disappointment with the result, which will probably launch a series of strategic decisions by the non-swiss business organizations in Switzerland. There are quite a few.
‘The agreement on the free movement of people between Switzerland and the EU came into force in 2002 and is a key element of the first package of bilateral accords between the two parties. Under the deal, nationals of Switzerland and EU member states are entitled to choose their place of work and residence within the territories of the signatories.The Swiss electorate has voted three times so far on the free movement of people. In May 2000, it approved the first bilateral package and with it the free movement accord by a large majority. In 2005 and 2009, voters approved the extension of the treaty to new EU member countries, mostly in eastern Europe.’- reminds the swissinfo.
This vote could affect other bilateral agreements with the EU. The EU Commission expressed its disappointment with the result, which will probably launch a series of strategic decisions by the non-swiss business organizations in Switzerland. There are quite a few.