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