Switzerland votes to bring back strict quotas for immigration

February 10, 2014 - 16:07 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - Switzerland seems to be on the right track - Swiss voters have backed a referendum proposal to bring back strict quotas for immigration from European Union countries. Factually, Switzerland didn't follow the lead of the EU, in enunciating principles of tolerance and multiculturalism which will, eventually, result in a sharp drop of the original population: French, German, British, etc.

In a nail-biting vote, 50.3 percent backed the "Stop mass immigration" initiative, which also won the required majority approval in more than half of Swiss cantons or regions, Reuters said citing Swiss television.

The outcome obliges the government to turn the initiative, spearheaded by the right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP), into law within three years.

It reflects growing concern among the Swiss population that immigrants are eroding the nation's distinctive Alpine culture and contributing to rising rents, crowded transport and more crime. Net immigration runs at around 70,000 people per year on average. Foreigners make up 23 percent of the population of 8 million, second in Europe only to Luxembourg.

Swiss voters generally have a history of voting down proposals that they feel could hurt their country's economic success story or threaten its competitiveness.

Last year, they rejected a proposal to cap the salaries of top executives at 12 times that of the company's lowest wage, amid warnings from industry leaders that the economy could suffer. But immigration has become a growing concern. In 2009, Swiss voters defied government advice by backing a ban the construction of minarets.

The move outraged not only the Islamic states but also Brussels, where the number of mosques grows by day. Same is true about Germany which hosts the construction of the largest mosque in Europe. Moreover, in some parts of Germany, Islam has been announced an official religion, with 19% of Germans believing Islam to be compatible with local culture. Muslims comprise only 5% of Germany's population, but it seems they're the ones to dictate to local authorities. So it's no surprise that Germans who've adopted Islam are currently fighting in Syria.

According to Reuters, while neutral Switzerland is not a member of the EU, its immigration policy is based on free movement of citizens to and from the EU, with some exceptions, as well as allowing in a restricted number of non-EU citizens.

That pact on free movement of people was signed as part of a package of agreements with the EU, some of which could now be in danger of unraveling, to say nothing of the effect on a globally oriented economy that employs large numbers of foreign professionals.

However, the EU won't be able to impose any sanctions on Switzerland. When signing the Shengen agreement 14 years ago, a special clause was included to enable the country to limit the annual immigrant inflow if it tops the allowed limit. And now, Bern has used its right.

Despite the complicated process of obtaining a Swiss visa, the share of foreigners comprised 20,7% of the country's population in 2006.

Switzerland decided to put a stop to further Islamisation, and the rest of the Europe better follow its suit. The results of the referendum haven't been passed legally, and Zurich abounds in restaurants kept by the Middle Easterners. So it's only the beginning.