Blocher mulls new initiative to reduce immigration

A parliamentary commission in Switzerland rejected on the 2 September 2016 the government’s threat to impose unilateral quotas on foreigners in 2017 – which it said would violate free movement and put at risk Switzerland’s bilateral treaties with the EU – in favour of a compromise based on a hiring preference for local people.

Subsequently, Switzerland’s biggest party, the rightwing Swiss People’s Party (SVP), said on the 3 September 2016 that it would consider launching a new initiative to end the free movement of people with the European Union.

• Primary Source

EurActiv, 02.09.16: Switzerland dodges clash with EU over immigration http://www.euractiv.com/section/future-eu/news/switzerland-dodges-clash-with-eu-over-immigration/

ESO: Background information: Swiss reject proposal to expel criminal foreigners http://www.europeansources.info/record/swiss-reject-proposal-to-expel-criminal-foreigners/

Swissinfo.ch: Tag: Surrounded by Europe http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/in-depth/surrounded-by-europe

ESO: Background information: Cabinet to limit immigration with safeguard clause http://www.europeansources.info/record/cabinet-to-limit-immigration-with-safeguard-clause/

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