I think this has a point, though the author's meaning is ambiguous. To elaborate, if the Swiss govt directly implemented popular policy viewpoints, then fears

I think this has a point, though the author's meaning is ambiguous. To elaborate, if the Swiss govt directly implemented popular policy viewpoints, then fears of immigration could have brought about a Brexit type situation in a way similar to how the UK Government had a yes/no referendum that implemented the 'popular' policy of Brexit.