Swiss agree to curb immigration and rethink EU deal

[FarCenter]

Voters in Switzerland have narrowly approved a rightwing proposal to curb immigration. It imposes limits on the number of foreigners allowed in and may signal an end to the country’s free movement accord with the European Union.

The initiative was approved by just 50.3% of the votes and was passed by a majority of cantons.

The move by the Swiss People’s Party - known for its anti-foreigner and anti-EU agenda - will see the reintroduction of quotas, as well as a national preference when filling job vacancies and restrictions of immigrants’ rights to social benefits.

Critically, it also stipulates that Switzerland will have to renegotiate its bilateral accord with the EU on the free movement of people within three years or revoke it. This in turn could threaten other bilateral agreements with the EU.

http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss_news/Swiss_agree_to_curb_immigration_and_rethink_EU_deal_.html?cid=37877780

[dipsydoodle]

1. Democracy at work.

Last edited Sun Feb 9, 2014, 02:46 PM - Edit history (1)

The people got what they wanted.

General division here :

The BBC's Imogen Foulkes in Geneva says the vote has shown up traditional divisions, with French-speaking areas against the quotas, German-speaking regions divided, and the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino firmly in favour.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26108597

[tritsofme]

2. If they were an EU country, they would get the opportunity to revote.

Until they get it "right". The Swiss are wise to be skeptical.