Switzerland votes to cap EU immigration: The initiative, known as ‘Stop mass immigration,’ was introduced by the nationalist Swiss Peoples Party (SVP). Its goal is to introduce annual quotas on the number of foreign workers entering the country. If approved, the constitutional amendment will overturn the free movement policy introduced in the European Union 12 years ago. Many in Switzerland - which is surrounded by the EU but is not a member - believe that rising immigration levels are putting pressure on infrastructure, rent prices, the social security system, and unemployment rates. The SVP party has been campaigning for the amendment, saying that immigrants are destroying the nation’s Alpine identity and taking away skilled jobs. Many people feel this is challenging their identity, even if there isnt any concrete economic impact on a personal level,” Georg Lutz, professor of political science at the University of Lausanne Georg, told Reuters. I dont want to live like a sardine in a tin can, independent politician Thomas Minder, who supports the initiative, told tabloid newspaper Blick. According to the latest data, 23 percent of the country’s eight million inhabitants are foreigners – the second largest proportion in Europe after Luxembourg. Many fear the initiative would have a negative impact on the economy, which relies on foreign workers for progress and a competitive edge. Italians and Germans reportedly comprise the largest contingent of immigrants to Switzerland, most of whom seek work in the IT, healthcare, and financial sectors. Severin Schwan, Austrian CEO of Roche Pharmaceuticals, said that about half of the employees at the research and development site in Basel, Switzerland are foreigners. The head of Swissmem - a leader in electrical and mechanical engineering - Hans Hess believes that Switzerland’s economy is successful because of innovation, which requires a steady stream of qualified immigrants. Innovation is the driver of the Swiss economy. Thats why we need highly qualified workers inside Switzerland and from abroad, Hess said. Indeed, four in every ten new companies were founded by foreigners, according to Orell Fuessli Wirtschaftsinformationen AG. Those new companies also created 30,000 jobs in 2013. Other than a skilled workforce, immigrants benefit the economy through consumer spending. Credit Suisse reported that about 25 percent of private consumption growth since 2008 was thanks to foreigners. One of the latest surveys looking at the levels of support towards the initiative showed that those planning to vote ‘yes’ rose to 43 percent from the previous 37 percent, according to GFS Bern pollster. If passed, the constitutional amendment could potentially erode Switzerland’s relationship with EU, which views the freedom of movement policy as a fundamental right.
Posted on: Sun, 09 Feb 2014 04:17:03 +0000
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