🇨🇭 Referendum on Basel’s Eurovision 2025 funding could happen in November

Following the Basel-Stadt Grand Council voting to allocate over 37 million CHF for Eurovision funding, the right wing EDU/UDF (who are not represented on the council) have begun campaigning to collect 2,000 signatures, which would trigger a referendum on the matter, which would be held on November 24.

Cantonal President confident referendum will fail

Should the petition for the referendum garner enough support, with 2,000 signatures needed, then the referendum would be held on November 24th, on the same day as referendums on the right for foreigners to vote and stand in elections, as well as a popular initiative calling for “more musical diversity”.

Speaking to Basel based outlet Bazonline after Basel was announced to be hosting the contest, Basel’s Cantonal President, Conrad Cramer said:

If the EDU referendum were to be successful at the ballot box, which I do not believe will happen, the loan for the ESC would not be approved. Basel would therefore not be able to make the expenditure and the situation would have to be re-analysed together with the SRG.

During the council’s debate on the allocation of funds, there was widespread support across the political spectrum for funding the contest, with the measure passing 87 votes to 4.

All About Eurovision 2025

Switzerland will be hosting the 69th edition of the competition following Nemo’s historic win at Eurovision 2024 in Malmö. A few weeks after their win, Reto Peritz, and Moritz Stadler, was announced as the Executive Producers, with the other roles revealed in July 2024.

Basel, Bern & Biel/Bienne, Geneva, and Zurich submitted bids to host next year’s competition, with Basel and Geneva being shortlisted as the final two cities. After the shortlist, it was revealed that Basel will host Eurovision 2025, at St. Jakobshalle with the shows taking place on May 13, 15 and 17.

What do you think about Basel hosting? Do you plan on going to the contest next year? As always, let us know what you think by commenting down below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, Threads and Bluesky for all the latest Eurovision news!

Photo Credit: SRG SSR

News Source: BazOnline