Swiss voters have narrowly approved a curb on immigration in their country and a return of strict quotas.
In a referendum held on Sunday, 50.3 percent of voters decided in favour of the proposal, put forward by the right wing Swiss People’s Party.
The government says it is a huge blow.
“It is a vote against the political authorities. The Federal government and most of the Cantons were against this initiative,” Swiss Federal Council member, Simonetta Sommaruga, told a press conference.
“It is a vote against the business community, and the organizations which represent it – all of which were against the initiative. And finally it’s against the political parties. A lot of them now must be wondering why so many of their supporters haven’t followed them – or only partly – on such essential issues.” Sommaruga continued.
It means that Switzerland will have to abandon its free movement of people treaty with the European Union
This will put at risk other key agreements with the EU including free access to the European market – Switzerland’s biggest trading partner
00:00 POSTERS IN GENEVA
Swiss voters have said yes ((narrowly approved)) a curb on immigration into their country and a return of strict quotas.
In a referendum held on Sunday,just over 50 percent (( 50.3 percent)) of voters decided in favour of the proposal, put forward by the right wing Swiss People’s Party.
The government says it is a huge blow
00:17 press conference of Federal Council, Simonetta Sommaruga,
Member of the Swiss Federal Council :
“It is a vote against the political authorities. The Federal government and most of the Cantons were against this initiative.
It is a vote against the business community, and the organizations which represent it – all of which were against the initiative and finally against the political parties, a lot of them in any case, must be wondering why so many of their supporters haven’t followed them – or only partly – on such essential issues
00:49 voting scenes
It also means that Switzerland will have to abandon its free movement of people treaty with the European Union
This will put at risk other key agreements with the EU including free access to the European market – Switzerland’s biggest trading partner
01:09 ends
