Say yes, say yes, say yes! Basel votes in favour of Eurovision 2025.
After winning Eurovision 2024 back in May, Basel was confirmed as the host city of Eurovision 2025 in August, and the Basel Parlaiment approved funding for the contest. However, The right-wing conservative micro-party EDU opposed this and launched a referendum, collecting almost 4,000 signatures for it.
Now, the votes are in, and Basel has said yes to Eurovision 2025! Earlier today, a referendum was held in Basel-Stadt, where residents of Basel were asked to vote on whether or not to approve their city’s funding for Eurovision 2025, which is reported to be around 35 million Swiss Francs (roughly 37 million euros).
The residents of Basel were asked: “Do you approve the Grand Council resolution of 11 September 2024 regarding the authorisation of expenditure for the staging of the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) 2025 in Basel?” With a voter turnout of 57.15%, 38,186 people voted for yes and 19,171 people voted no.
This news means that the government in Basel will now be able to fund everything related to Eurovision 2025, which not only includes the three live shows, but also other events around the city during Eurovision week, including Euroclub and the Eurovision Village etc.
Government President Conradin Cramer, who brought Eurovision 2025 to Basel with his presidential department, is of course very happy with the outcome of the referendum and the benefits that Eurovision 2025 can bring to Basel:
“I am very relieved. The result is sensationally clear. This is a great legitimation for this event. It shows that a clear majority of Basel residents see the opportunities that the event brings… We are doing this ESC for Basel and the people of Basel… We want to show that Basel is an open city that is worth visiting. Ultimately, this will also bring us economic benefits… I am actually even happier now because I know that a clear majority of Basel residents are behind the event. If it had only been a close decision, the anticipation would be less great. For everyone working on the ESC, this clear yes is a great incentive.”
Nemo secured Switzerland’s third Eurovision win, and first since 1988 with their song “The Code”, achieving a runaway jury score of 365 points and 22 sets of 12 points in the process. Since their momentous win in Malmö, Nemo has announced a European tour for Spring of 2025. They have also released their follow up single, “Eurostar”, with the music video featuring some Eurovision 2024 alumni.
What are your thoughts on the referendum that Basel Stadt held for Eurovision 2025? Will you be attending Basel next years for Eurovision? Let us know in the comments below!
Photo credit: Basel.com
