Man, dude, what a bombshell! I was chilling at Fane's terrace, sipping a beer and watching the news, when I stumbled upon one that left me speechless. Switzerland, bro, that country with banks and chocolate, decided today to vote on whether to limit its population to 10 million people by 2050. That's exactly how many Bucharest and Ilfov have together, but they feel cramped. Come on, let's be serious!
The initiative is pushed by the Swiss People's Party, those radical right-wingers, and they call it "sustainability." They want to stop immigration because, supposedly, there's no room on trains, apartments are expensive, and hospitals are full. They currently have 9.1 million inhabitants, of which 27% are foreigners. And they propose that when they hit 9.5 million, the government should put serious obstacles to asylum and family reunification. If they exceed 10 million, they'll denounce the free movement agreement with the EU within two years. What can I say, it's like Brexit, but through the back door.
The Swiss government, all major parties, unions, and employers are against it. Justice Minister Beat Jans said it would be "Switzerland's own Brexit." Economists shout that the country has an aging population - 20% over 65 - and that without immigrants, hotels and hospitals will close. Half of hotel employees and many in hospitals are foreigners. Rudolf Minsch, head economist at Economiesuisse, warned that if they lose free movement, trade relations with the EU, their biggest partner, will suffer. But they couldn't care less about numbers, bro.
Polls show a tight vote: 52% against, 45% for, the rest undecided. To pass, it needs both a popular majority and a majority of cantons. That's exactly what we need, a Swiss Brexit. And on top of that, they're also voting on a law that tightens civil service, amid the war in Ukraine. 48% are for, 46% against. What times, man!
Now, what can I say? I think these Swiss folks are a bit too comfortable. In Romania, we've started begging immigrants to come because we have no one left to work. Mioara told me that Lidl brought in some Nepalese because they can't find cashiers. But I look at them wanting to close the door. Maybe a couple of our people should go there to see what it's like to have crowded trains and apartments for 3000 euros a month. Alright, I'm off to tell Fane and Gică Dinamovistul, maybe we'll get a bet on the referendum outcome - but don't tell Mioara!
