Basel residents have voted overwhelmingly in favor of a nearly 40 million euro budget to host Eurovision 2025, with 66.4% support for the funding. The city anticipates significant economic benefits, projecting around 60 million francs in revenue. However, the initiative faces opposition from the UDF party, citing concerns over public spending and ideological promotion. Additionally, Swiss voters rejected highway expansion proposals, reflecting environmental priorities, while decisions on rental regulations also leaned against increased property owner flexibility.
Basel Voters Embrace Eurovision 2025 Funding
In a decisive move, the residents of Basel, Switzerland, have overwhelmingly approved a substantial budget of nearly 40 million euros to host the renowned Eurovision Song Contest in 2025. With a remarkable 66.4% of voters supporting the allocation of taxpayer funds, the city is set to welcome the iconic event, ensuring it retains its grandeur and excitement.
Economic Prospects and Controversies
The provisional voting outcomes reveal that Basel will invest approximately 34.96 million Swiss francs (equivalent to 37.4 million euros) into hosting this globally celebrated television spectacle. Without this financial backing from the host city, the opportunity to showcase such a high-profile event would have faced significant limitations.
Following Switzerland’s victory at Eurovision 2024 in Sweden with the non-binary artist Nemo, anticipation is building for the upcoming contest scheduled for May 2025 in this picturesque Rhine city, strategically located at the crossroads of France and Germany. Officials are optimistic about generating around 60 million francs in immediate economic benefits, drawing inspiration from the successes of previous contests held in cities like Liverpool and Malmö.
However, the initiative has not been without its detractors. The Federal Democratic Union (UDF), a minor political party advocating for conservative values, has initiated a referendum to challenge what they label a “waste” of public finances. The party has raised concerns regarding security and moral implications, arguing that the contest has become a platform for promoting various ideologies, including ‘wokeness’ and transgender rights.
In addition to this, Swiss voters faced another significant decision regarding the expansion of the nation’s highway system. Preliminary results indicate a narrow rejection of the government’s proposals to widen key sections of the A1 highway and construct new tunnels in various regions, including St. Gallen, Schaffhausen, and Basel. Approximately 52% of voters opposed these costly projects, with an estimated budget of 4.9 billion Swiss francs (5.26 billion euros), citing concerns over rising traffic and environmental impact.
The Green Party heralded this outcome as a major victory against outdated transport policies, emphasizing the importance of redirecting funds toward climate protection efforts. MP Delphine Klopfenstein Broggini highlighted that traffic is a significant contributor to carbon dioxide emissions and plays a direct role in exacerbating global warming.
Additionally, voters appeared likely to reject two proposals aimed at increasing property owner flexibility regarding lease terminations and subletting, with 53% and 51% voting against these measures, respectively. With nearly 60% of the Swiss population being renters, this outcome reflects the public’s concerns about housing security.
The Eurovision event is set to unfold on May 17, following the semi-finals on May 13 and 15, bringing a festive atmosphere and international focus to Basel.