Eurovision 2025: Regardless of the outcome of the referendum, the contest will proceed as scheduled

In recent hours, various rumors and scenarios have flooded social media, all centered around the upcoming referendum on Sunday in the canton of Basel. Citizens will vote on whether to approve funding for the Eurovision contest to be held in their city. Some of these rumors suggest significant consequences in the event of a negative outcome, claiming it could lead to the event being limited to just one night, with the two semi-finals being canceled. More extreme rumors even suggest the complete cancellation of the contest.

However, the head of communications for this year’s Eurovision, Edi Estermann, categorically denied these claims in statements to ESC Kompakt. He clarified that, even if the funding is rejected, the contest will proceed as planned in its core form, with both the semi-finals and the grand final taking place.

He specifically stated:

“If the city of Basel rejects the funding, the contest will need to be significantly scaled down, and particularly, the planned parallel events will be canceled. However, the two semi-finals and the grand final on May 17 will still happen.”

The referendum was initiated by the ultra-conservative USD (Swiss Federal Democratic Union) party. The party is urging citizens to vote against the Eurovision contest, considering it a “propaganda event”. The outcome of the vote is expected to begin emerging Sunday evening, as the first results come in.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the latest updates on our favorite contest!

Source: ESC Kompakt