Eurovision 2025: The first results of the Basel referendum on contest funding show a ‘Yes’
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.
Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the latest updates!
Source: Basel
