Swiss voters have defeated a nationalist initiative to tear up their free-movement agreement with Brussels, deciding by a large majority to maintain existing ties with the EU.
A referendum proposal from the rightwing populist Swiss People’s party (SVP) to end free movement for EU citizens was comfortably rejected, preliminary results showed, with about 62 per cent of the electorate voting against.
The vote was a key test of sentiment ahead of complex negotiations between Switzerland and the EU over a new treaty defining their future relationship. The Bern government had campaigned against the nationalist initiative, warning that it would damage vital economic ties and void existing treaties.