Eurovision 2025: 66,57% voted in favour of the Basel referendum for the funding of the contest

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As we have already informed you in previous articles, Swiss citizens were called on Sunday to decide on the funding for the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest in Basel. After two weeks of postal voting, the results were just announced, showing that the majority voted in favor of public funding, with 66.57% of the votes supporting the decision to fund the contest.

Specifically, as presented in the analytical table and graph below, the results show that the total number of votes counted reached 57,358. Of these, 38,186 votes, or 66.57%, were in favor of the funding, while 19,172 votes, or 33.43%, were against it. Overall, the voter turnout for the referendum was 57.15%.

Pie chart showing the percentage of votes. 66.57% voted Yes, while 33.43% voted No.

 

Detailed statistics chart showing the breakdown of votes. 57,358 votes were cast in total: 38,186 for Yes and 19,172 for No.

With the “Yes” vote prevailing, funding for the Eurovision 2025 in Basel can now proceed. As a result, the city will host both the main events of the contest, such as the performances at St-Jakobshalle, as well as parallel activities like the Eurovillage and Arena+.

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Source: Basel

Eurovision 2025: The first results of the Basel referendum on contest funding show a ‘Yes’

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Swiss citizens were called on Sunday to decide on the funding of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Basel. After two weeks of postal voting, the first results indicate that the majority voted in favor of public funding, with 66.40% supporting the decision to finance the contest.

The decision to host Eurovision in Basel was reconsidered after a petition by the ultraconservative “Federal Democratic Union of Switzerland” (EDU) party, which gathered the necessary signatures to hold a referendum. The Grand Council of the Basel-Stadt canton had approved funding of 37 million CHF for the event.

The voting process was conducted via mail, with the majority of Swiss voters casting their ballots early. Since Swiss elections often involve various referendums, voter turnout typically reaches 50% or higher, as citizens submit their votes before the official result date.

According to the initial results, 66.40% of Basel citizens voted “Yes” to the funding, while 33.60% opposed the decision.

What Do the Results Mean for Eurovision?

With the “Yes” vote prevailing, funding for Eurovision 2025 in Basel can proceed. This means that the city will host both the main events, such as the performances at the St-Jakobshalle, and the side activities, including the Eurovillage and Arena+.

If the vote had been negative, the events surrounding the contest would have been scaled back, and the show itself would have been reduced to a televised production without the public side events.

Although there is still the possibility of moving the event to another city, preparations in Basel are moving forward rapidly, with the grand final scheduled for May 17, 2025, less than six months away.

Economic Benefits of the Event

Basel expects significant economic benefits from Eurovision 2025, with predictions of earnings around 60 million CHF, mainly from tourism and hospitality services.

Basel, known for its role as a global hub for the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, hosts the headquarters of companies like Novartis and Roche. At the same time, it is a major cultural center with internationally renowned museums and the famous Art Basel.

In Conclusion

The referendum’s decision gives the “green light” for Eurovision to take place in Basel, with the hope that voters will recognize the unique opportunity this event offers both to the city and Switzerland as a whole.

The final results will be announced at 18.00 cet.

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Source: Basel

Eurovision 2025: Swiss voters decide today in a referendum on funding the event in Basel

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Swiss voters will be called to decide on three important issues this Sunday: the expansion of the country’s road network, the rights of property owners, and whether the taxpayers of Basel should finance the hosting of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025.

In Switzerland, most citizens prefer to vote by mail before the referendum day, which is why polling stations are only open until noon. The results are expected later on Sunday.

Nemo won Eurovision 2024 with the song “The Code,” securing Switzerland the right to host the upcoming competition. Basel, the city located in the northern part of Switzerland, near the borders with France and Germany, was chosen to host this major event.

However, the ultra-conservative and Christian party “Federal Democratic Union of Switzerland” gathered enough signatures to organize a referendum on whether the 34.96 million Swiss francs (approximately 37 million euros) approved by local authorities for the event should be allocated.

Swiss citizens are used to having a direct say in how their taxes are spent, and some are opposed to the potential costs and disruption that the Eurovision event might bring to their city.

Eurovision is a non-profit event that is primarily funded by contributions from the public broadcasters of the participating countries. However, organizers emphasize that the cities hosting the event must also make a financial contribution, given the benefits they will gain.

“A Unique Opportunity” for Basel

If the referendum rejects the funding, the event will have to be scaled back significantly. Although it is possible to move the event to another city, preparations in Basel are progressing quickly, with Eurovision 2025 scheduled for May 17, less than six months away.

“The project team hopes that the voters of Basel will recognize this unique opportunity for the city and the country as a whole,” said Edi Estermann, head of communications for Eurovision 2025.

Significant Tourism Gains Expected

Based on previous contests, such as those in Liverpool and Malmö, Basel hopes to earn around 60 million Swiss francs from the event, primarily through tourism and hospitality services.

Basel, situated on the banks of the Rhine River, is an international hub for the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, hosting the headquarters of giants like Novartis and Roche. Additionally, the city boasts a rich cultural scene, with several internationally renowned museums and the annual Art Basel, the world’s largest contemporary art fair.

Andrea Strahm, a lawyer and member of the Basel-Stadt regional assembly, told AFP: “We are a city of art and music. It is always very important for us to participate in such events.”

The results of the referendum are eagerly awaited later today.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates.

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

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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

Eurovision 2025: Novartis is the official sponsor for the competition in Basel!

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A few hours ago the EBU announced its official sponsor for the Eurovision 2025 contest that will take place in Basel next May. The pharmaceutical company Novartis will be the “official partner” of the competition!

Martin Österdahl, head of the organisation of the 2025 contest, said specifically:

‘We are thrilled to announce Novartis as an official partner of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025! With their headquarters in next year’s Host City, it’s great to have Novartis, a global leader in healthcare, supporting the Contest in Basel. This partnership marks an exciting collaboration between two iconic brands known for their commitment to innovation and excellence. Together, we stand for a vision of unity, hope, and the belief that through collaboration, we can achieve extraordinary things.’

The choice of Novartis was made in the unifying spirit promoted by Eurovision and is closely linked to the company’s identity, which is based in the city that will host the contest. Novartis actively promotes diversity and a sense of belonging as an employer of people from all countries of the world. Through this commitment, it fosters cultural diversity and creates an environment where all employees feel accepted and respected.

Rob Kowalski, Chief People & Organization Officer at Novartis, said:

‘Novartis is honoured to be an official partner of the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest in Basel – our home city. Both our organisations were born in Switzerland and believe deeply in the power of collaboration and bringing people together.’

 

Reto Peritz and Moritz Stadler, executive producers of SRG, said of the partnership:

‘We are delighted to welcome Novartis on board and are excited about their commitment and engagement. Their support will play a key role in helping us reach our goals and make a meaningful impact.’

The city of Basel will host the 69th Eurovision Song Contest in May 2025 after Nemo’s victory with The Code.

Source: Eurovision.Tv

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Switzerland: The pro-Eurovision referendum campaign commences!

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The Basel-Stadt canton is up for an unprecedented referendum. A little less than four thousand people have signed a petition opposing the canton’s decision to finance Eurovision 2025 on behalf of an ultra-conservative Swiss party that is not represented in the national parliament.

The pro-Eurovision campaign began after the request to include a question on the ballot was approved and the referendum will be held on November 24.

Basel’s trade association supports the hosting

Reto Baumgartner, the director of the Basel Trade Association, has been tasked with making sure that the canton’s Eurovision fund contribution is approved by the majority of Basel voters. In addition, he is the current president of FC Basel and a former professional football player.

The trade association was asked to take the initiative, according to Baumgartner. It is expected that owners and staff of restaurants and hotels will support Eurovision 2025 because they anticipate an increase in business and profit. Their primary argument is that the 38.5 million CHF fund will result in 60 million CHF in direct added value.

Theoretically, it will be an easy choice among the members of Basel’s Trade Association.

The campaign

It is unclear what the anti-Eurovision supporters have planned and whether anti-ESC coalitions will emerge in the upcoming weeks.

Both sides will have a shorter referendum campaign than in the past. No specific plans for a paid advertising campaign have been made. At the moment, the pro-ESC side is only seeking people to join a social media campaign.

Three slogans are available to participants:

  • “Basel in the spotlight – Europe is watching”
  • “Occupied beds, strengthened economy – Basel wins”
  • “Celebrate together – diversity connects”

The referendum

With 87 votes in favor, 4 against, and 4 abstentions, Basel’s cantonal parliament approved the funding for Eurovision 2025 on September 11. The only political party opposed to this funding, though, is the EDU. It needed outside support to collect enough signatures because of its limited presence in Basel City.

The tiny Christian party had earlier declared that it would launch a referendum to stop public support for what it called a “propaganda event.”

Ultimately, the aforementioned political party gathered the signatures needed and on November 24, voters are going to vote on this and two other cantonal and four federal proposals. The question on the ballot regarding Eurovision 2025 will be the following:

Do you want to accept the decision of the great council, taken on the 11th of September 2024, in regards to the allocated funds for the ESC 2025 in Basel?

However, there is no need to worry about a potential cancelation of the upcoming contest. In the worst case scenario that the voters go with EDU’s proposal, the only implication will be a smaller contest with less funding than originally planned.

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the news!

Source: BZBasel

Switzerland: The referendum against Eurovision 2025 on 24th of November!

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The referendum against the Council’s decision to approve the expenditure for the organization of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Basel is about to take place. Voters are going to vote on this and two other cantonal and four federal proposals on November 24, 2024. At the same time, the second round of general renewal elections for the Governing Council is going to take place.

The request for a referendum was submitted today with the gathering of the required 2,000 signatures. A total of 3,912 valid signatures were counted. At the same time this weekend a vote is going be held, under the popular initiative of the canton “for more musical diversity” (“für mehr Musikvielfalt”), on the partial revision of the cantonal constitution regarding the right to vote and be elected to foreign residents as well as on four federal bills.

Election papers will be packed and sent next Monday. By the end of the week, the voters will have received the documents.

Source: Kanton Basel-Stadt 

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Swiss conservative party submits signatures for referendum to block Eurovision 2025

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The Swiss Federal Democratic Union (EDU), an ultra-conservative political party, has submitted signatures to initiate a referendum aiming to block the hosting of the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel from May 13 to 17, 2025.

The EDU seeks a vote on November 24 regarding the CHF 37.5 million ($43.3 million) loan recently approved by the Basel cantonal parliament for organizing the ESC 2025. On Saturday, the party submitted 4,203 signatures for the referendum, surpassing the minimum requirement of 2,000 certified signatures due by October 26. These signatures will now be verified by the Basel State Chancellery.

On September 11, Basel’s cantonal parliament approved the loan for Eurovision 2025 with 87 votes in favor, 4 against, and 4 abstentions. However, the EDU is the only political party opposing this funding. Given its limited presence in Basel City, it had to rely on support from outside the canton to gather sufficient signatures.

The small Christian party had previously announced it would initiate a referendum against public funding for what it described as a “propaganda event.”

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Source: swissinfo

Eurovision 2025: An event for the entire community in Basel!

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Basel is eager to host the 69th Eurovision Song Contest for the first time as May draws near. The City of Basel hopes to make the forthcoming Eurovision a memorable event for all tourists as its plans are progressively revealed.

“An event for the whole of society”

The Swiss appear to be taking the Liverpool hosting as a benchmark. There will be Eurovision banners everywhere, and the entire city will act as a Eurovision-brand ambassador. Additionally, the city’s name will be displayed in “sculptures” in key locations close to St. Jakobshalle and Eurovision Street so that guests can snap photos and post them to social media.

A platform for artists

The canton of Basel-Stadt and Messe Basel is open to suggestions from cultural workers and restaurateurs, such as karaoke nights with an ESC theme.

This also holds true for choirs, music groups, singers, and musicians who wish to perform on one of the city’s stages. The stages will feature local acts from the Basel and Dreiland regions in addition to street musicians from throughout Europe.

The longest Turquoise Carpet ever

The largest opening ceremony in the history of Eurovision is scheduled to take place in Basel. Beat Läuchli, the project manager, states that:

Basel wants to create the longest “Turquoise Carpet'” in ESC history.

The goal of Switzerland is to organize an Opening Ceremony that will captivate the participants, delegation members, accredited media, and viewers who will watch it live at home.

The Basel Exhibition Centre will host the Eurovillage as well as the Euroclub for all the attendees.

The 69th Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Basel, Switzerland during May 13 and 17, following Nemo’s win in Malmö with their song “The Code“.

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the news!

Source: BAZ

EBU: Code of Conduct for Participants with Mandatory Political Neutrality

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During the Eurovision Song Contest, set to take place in Basel, artists are expected to have a specially designated space where they can retreat and relax without being filmed or recorded, as stated by the head of the competition, Bakel Walden, to the newspaper Sonntagsblick. Additionally, the EBU is expected to implement a code of conduct for participants, requiring political neutrality while they are on stage.

These actions are part of a broader effort to protect the well-being of participants and maintain calm among the delegations during the competition.

Walden emphasized that the organization has a duty to ensure the mental and physical health of the artists, something that will be taken seriously in the future.

Referring to the 2024 contest in Malmö, Walden noted that although the event was successful, certain issues must not be repeated, particularly regarding communication before, during, and after the competition. He also stressed the need to keep Eurovision as neutral as possible from political matters, stating that Eurovision cannot solve global conflicts and wars.

In Malmö, the contest was overshadowed by protests and calls for a boycott against Israel, due to the war in Gaza following the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. Israeli artist Eden Golan mostly stayed in her hotel room for safety reasons and faced exclusion by other artists.

Finally, Walden addressed the importance of adhering to a code of conduct for participants, stressing mutual understanding and respect among the contestants. While he asked participants to maintain a neutral stance on stage, outside of performances, they are free to express their views.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates!

Source: zeit.news