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Basel Faces Eurovision Uncertainty: Referendum Could Change Hosting Plans

A small conservative party has initiated a referendum to prevent the Eurovision Song Contest from taking place in Basel next year.

The Federal Democratic Union, which has no representatives in the Basel parliament, is working to gather 2,000 signatures by the end of October. This is to force a referendum against the Basel City government’s plan to spend CHF 35 million on hosting the event.

The Federal Democratic Union is known for its Christian fundamentalist views and has only 3,000 members nationwide. The party is opposed to abortion, homosexuality, and fertility treatments.

If enough signatures are collected, a vote could potentially be held as soon as November 24th. If the referendum succeeds, a new venue will need to be found for the Eurovision Song Contest.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates!

Source: worldradio

Celine Dion Set to Make a Spectacular Return as Guest at Eurovision 2025

Celine Dion is gearing up for a dynamic return to the stage, as it is rumored she will appear as a guest at Eurovision 2025.

According to the Daily Mail, speculation has been rising about a special appearance at the contest following her performance at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, although there is no official confirmation from the organizers or her representatives. Dion, who had retired due to health issues and Stiff-Person Syndrome, remains an iconic figure for Eurovision fans.

Her participation in the 1988 contest with Switzerland and the song “Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi” was a milestone in her career, earning her first place with just one point ahead of the UK’s entry. Her performance at the time captivated the audience, paving the way for her international acclaim, especially in Europe.

Her potential guest appearance in 2025 would be a tribute to her Eurovision legacy and an opportunity for fans to enjoy her once again on one of the most significant stages in music.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates!

Source: Daily Mail

Eurovision 2025: The financing offered by the four candidate cities!

We have entered the final stretch for the selection of the city that will now host Eurovision 2025. Zurich, Geneva, Bern and Basel officially submitted their proposals on Friday July 28 and are now awaiting the decision of the Swiss public television and the EBU. But the local authorities of the four cities financially support the candidacies of their cities, wanting to make their candidacy files stronger. But how much money is contained in the envelopes of the four nominations? Let’s see them in detail.

Who offers the most?

Switzerland’s public television, strange as it may seem to you, does not have a prosperous economy. In future, it will receive only 300 instead of 335 francs a year from each household – on Thursday the SRF announced it would cut around 70 full-time jobs by early 2025, while the country’s political forces argue that 200 francs per household is enough. Therefore, the financial assistance that each city receives from its local authorities is important for achieving the final goal, which is the same for all. Taking over the organization of Eurovision 2025!

Geneva offers the most money: the city and the canton offer 30 million francs. Zurich offers 25 million, Basel ten. Bern comes last: 8 million francs. The home canton of Eurovision 2024 winner Nemo offers by far the lowest financial support. “However, money is not everything”, says the mayor of the city.

The selection process

In the coming days, the first online meetings between the Swiss public television and the teams of the four cities will take place. At the end of July, the SRF will announce the two best candidates, which a team from the EBU and the Swiss public television will visit to discuss and see the proposed venues for Eurovision 2025. At the end of August, the city will be announced which will host the 69th Eurovision Song Contest next May.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the developments!

Source: Blick