Basel approves credit of 37.5 million for the organization of the Eurovision 2025 contest – rts.ch

The people of Basel clearly approved, at 66.57%, the credit granted by the canton to the SSR for the organization of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest (ESC). The participation rate in the ballot reached 57.15%.

An ultra-evangelical microparty not represented in the Grand Council, the UDF had seized the referendum against the credit adopted almost unanimously by the cantonal parliament. He criticized the ESC for having become a propaganda platform for the rights of LGBT and non-binary people, for tolerating Satanism on stage and for fueling anti-Semitism.

Attractive economic benefits

The voters, however, followed the enthusiasm of the authorities. The investment will be profitable, according to them, thanks to the enormous added value that the Eurovision Song Contest will generate. The ESC, which will take place on May 13, 15 and 17, is a chance to reach millions of people and present the city as a modern place for organizing major events.

The gross amount invested by the Canton amounts to 37.5 million francs, but the authorities have deducted the expected revenue of 2.5 million from entries to the Parc St-Jacques stadium for the giant “public viewing”.

The credit must cover costs for infrastructure, security, transport, accommodation, welcome actions, for framework events and for relief. The largest musical competition in the world will take place at the St-Jacques hall, which has 12,000 seats.

ats/vkiss