A leading demographer says Switzerland may never reach a population of 10 million, despite growing political tensions over immigration.
In fact, the main problem in the future may become a lack of people.
The debate comes ahead of next June’s referendum on the Swiss People's Party initiative to cap immigration and limit the population.
Expert Hendrik Budliger says ageing populations across Europe mean neighbouring countries are now fighting to keep skilled workers at home, making it harder for Switzerland to recruit abroad.
He also warns Switzerland’s record-low birth rate could become an even bigger long-term challenge than immigration itself.
G7 Summit in Évian - Everything you need to know
Geneva braces for G7 with 4,000 soldiers as protest standoff deepens
Zelensky proposes Switzerland as venue for Putin meeting
Geneva family fights to recover dead son's brain
Airport queues lengthen at Geneva and Zurich under new EU border checks
Ticino votes on Switzerland's first compulsory dental insurance
