Voters in Basel have backed the Grand Council’s decision to allocate CHF35m in funding for Eurovision 2025 after a referendum which took place today.
Referendum Fails
The referendum, which challenged the Grand Council’s decision to allocate cantonal funding to the contest, and was confirmed after receiving nearly 4,000 signatures, has failed after 66.57% (38,186) of voters backed funding the contest using cantonal funds. 19,172 voters backed the opposing side, in a campaign that focussed in large parts on the “satanic” image of Bambie Thug. The turnout of the referendum was 57.15%
Referendums held on the same day regarding the right for foreign nationals to stand and vote in elections, as well as an initiative calling for “musical diversity” failed to win the backing of the majority of Basel voters.
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!
News Source: Basel Stadt
Photo Credit: SRG SSR
Giwrgos Oiko