Referendum on Eurovision 2025 Hosting in Basel
The future of the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, Switzerland, is uncertain as a referendum is set to take place on November 24, 2024, regarding the city's budget allocation for hosting the event in May 2025. The Swiss Federal Democratic Union (UDF), a right-wing populist party, has gathered over 4,200 signatures to challenge the proposed budget of 37.5 million Swiss francs (approximately 164 million shekels). This amount is intended to cover the costs associated with the competition, which has been criticized by the UDF as a politically charged event rather than a pure music competition.
Opponents of the Eurovision budget argue that public funds should be directed towards more pressing local needs. The UDF has previously labeled Eurovision as a “propaganda show” that promotes values contrary to their beliefs, particularly criticizing the representation of the LGBT+ community and the perceived political undertones of performances. Despite this opposition, the budget was overwhelmingly approved by the cantonal parliament, indicating that the referendum may not succeed in overturning the decision.
Implications of the Referendum
If the referendum passes and the budget is rejected, the scale of Eurovision 2025 in Basel could be significantly diminished. A spokesperson for the Swiss Broadcasting Union indicated that without full funding, the event would be reduced to a basic television show, lacking the additional festivities that typically accompany Eurovision. This reduction could lessen the overall impact and economic benefits the event brings to the host city.
Historically, Switzerland has hosted Eurovision twice, first in 1956 and again in 1989, and the upcoming competition is anticipated to attract significant viewership, as evidenced by the 163 million viewers for the 2024 event. The upcoming vote is a reflection of the ongoing debates within Switzerland about the allocation of public funds and the cultural values promoted through large-scale events like Eurovision.
