Not even a month after Nemo gave Switzerland its third win, and questions over the financing for Eurovision 2025 has been raised by Swiss politicians.
Concern on broadcaster’s finances
Conservative politicians from the UDC party have voiced their disdain at the potential cost of hosting next year’s contest citing concerns over the potential impact that the multi-million euro budget contest would have on the broadcaster’s finances. Particularly so given that the Swiss broadcaster’s funding comes from a public licence fee as opposed to commercial advertising.
Defending SSR SRG was Federal Councillor Albert Rösti, who’s department includes media and communications within its remit. Rösti continued to reiterate to his colleagues in the Swiss parliament that funding for the contest would not be the sole responsibility of the Swiss public service broadcaster. He stated to his vexed fellow party members that the funding would be split across SSR SRG, the host city, sponsors, and the fees of participating countries.
Switzerland’s Eurovision Journey
Switzerland both hosted and debuted in the inaugural Eurovision Song Contest in 1956. Their first participation was successful, as they won with Lys Assia’s “Refrain”. Since then, they have participated on 63 occasions, making the Grand Final 52 times.
Switzerland’s most recent participation saw them being represented by Nemo with their song “The Code”. Performing in the second semi-final, they qualified for the Grand Final for a fifth consecutive participation. At the end of voting in the final, it was revealed Switzerland had won the Contest. Nemo scored 365 points with the national juries, as well as 226 points with the televote. The overall winning score for “The Code” was 591 points. This win marks Switzerland’s third win in the contest following on from Lys Assia in 1956 and Celine Dion in 1988.
What do you think of the announcement? Would you like to see Geneva host Eurovision next year? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads and Bluesky as we start our preparations for Eurovision 2025!
News Source: 20 Minutes
Photo Credit: Wikimedia / Futbol Vic
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