Despite recent reports of low public response, Basel managed to collect more than twice the required signatures to force a referendum against hosting Eurovision. How will this affect the competition’s hosting?
In July, it was reported that the Federal Democratic Union of Switzerland (EDU/UDF) announced it would demand referendums against funding Eurovision 2025 by municipalities or cantons comprising local government in Switzerland. In September, we reported on the party’s preparations to collect signatures for a referendum, and about two weeks ago, it was reported that public response to sign the petition was very low. To force a referendum on the issue, the Federal Democratic Union party had to reach 2,000 signatures by the end of October. The public in the Basel-Stadt canton (one of the 26 states that make up Switzerland, each with its own borders, army, and currency) surprised everyone, and despite the goal seeming distant, no less than 4,203 residents signed the petition!
Switzerland’s Unique Governance System
Switzerland’s system of government is different from any other country, and referendums in Switzerland have an important and unique value. Citizens participate directly in the legislative process through referendums and can demand a referendum to repeal a law or propose a new law by signing a petition. A survey of 25,000 participants in Switzerland found that 49% of respondents fully or partially oppose hosting the contest, so it could have been expected that many would sign the Federal Democratic Union party’s petition. Nevertheless, the party had to rely on forces outside the canton to achieve the required number of signatures. It’s also important to note that as of July 2021, 201,156 residents lived in the Basel-Stadt canton. So 4,203 residents (some of whom live outside the canton) are not necessarily a representative minority.
The Federal Democratic Union’s Stance
The Federal Democratic Union of Switzerland is one of the conservative parties in Switzerland, which according to its platform is “committed to traditional Christian values and their application in politics”. After the Basel city council approved the Eurovision budget of about 37.5 million Swiss francs, the party expressed its strong opposition to what they consider “a waste of public money”. They fear an event similar to the events in Malmö, where many anti-Semitic demonstrations took place. According to the UDF, there is no reason for such chaos to tarnish Basel’s name and reputation.
Content Concerns
Another reason causing the conservative party to act against hosting in Basel is the content presented in the program defined as “a family show”. The party president, Daniel Frischknecht, directly referred to the performance of Irish singer Bambie Thug, who performed with symbols and clothes with satanic cult elements. “Such content, which endangers young people, should not be funded by tax money”, says Frischknecht.
Upcoming Referendum and Its Implications
The referendum is expected to take place as early as November 24, in which Basel-Stadt canton residents will be required to vote on the 37.5 million Swiss franc loan for hosting Eurovision in their city. The loan in question was approved by an overwhelming majority by the Basel Grand Council, with 87 council members voting in favor, against 4 opponents and 4 abstentions. It’s important to note that even if the budget is rejected in the referendum, Eurovision will still take place in Basel. However, it seems that all accompanying plans such as the planned giant screenings and Eurovision village will likely be canceled.
Source: Blue News.
Eurovision 2025: This will be Switzerland’s 65th participation in the Eurovision Song Contest. Switzerland joined the competition in 1956, being one of the seven founding countries, and has won three times over the years. Its most recent victory was at the last Eurovision in 2025, with Nemo’s song “The Code.” This win follows Switzerland’s previous victory in 1988 with the song “Ne partez pas sans moi,” performed by international singer Céline Dion.
