by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed




Basel stands alone: Zurich refuses to participate in securing Eurovision 2025 due to local strain and fears of antisemitic incidents. Can Basel host the event without external support?

As Basel prepares to host Eurovision 2025, one of the world’s largest cultural events, tensions surrounding security arrangements are escalating. Over half a million visitors are expected to flood the Swiss city during the five-day festival. However, Basel, which has long faced police staffing shortages, has sought assistance nationwide.

According to the Swiss newspaper “NZZ”, Basel’s cantonal police requested reinforcements from all Swiss cantons. So far, 1,297 officers have been recruited from across Switzerland: 243 from Northwestern Switzerland, 191 from the West, 90 from the East, 68 from the Central region, and 30 from Ticino. Yet notably, Zurich – the country’s most populous and influential canton – has refused to send any officers. Its sole contribution is a police helicopter.




Zurich: “We Are Under Heavy Strain Ourselves”

Zurich’s official explanation came from Mario Fehr, head of security in Zurich. According to his spokesperson, Zurich is already under significant strain due to Eurovision-related tourism. Following Nemo Mettler‘s victory at Eurovision 2024 last May, visitors began flocking to Zurich. Hotels were booked immediately after the win and remain reserved, as confirmed by Zurich’s tourism office. Bern has also reported increased hotel occupancy.

Switzerland’s compact geography and efficient public transport have amplified Eurovision’s nationwide impact. Swiss Railways plans to add 85 special trains for attendees traveling to Basel. Meanwhile, Zurich anticipates heavy congestion at its central train station and airport. The Directorate for Public Security stated it expects “heightened activity and increased criminal incidents.”

Not Just Strain – Also Fear of Unrest

Beyond logistical concerns, fears of unrest loom large. Eurovision has long been a significant event for the LGBTQ+ community, and Zurich, a city known for its LGBTQ+ inclusivity – is hosting numerous related activities. However, authorities are also concerned about potential antisemitic incidents.

Last year’s protests in Malmö against Eden Golan’s performance have heightened fears of similar tensions surrounding Yuval Raphael‘s appearance in Basel this May. Zurich officials warned of “increased risks to Jewish institutions.”




The Municipality Mobilizes – The Canton Refuses

Despite Canton Zurich’s refusal, the City of Zurich itself did not remain indifferent. According to reports, Judith Hödl, spokesperson for the municipal police, announced that 60 officers from the city would be sent to reinforce Basel.

According to her, the decision was made based on an agreement between cantons for mutual support in emergencies (“IKAPOL”):

“The Zurich City Police, like other bodies, is committed to this agreement and to the spirit of solidarity. We regret that Canton Zurich chose not to send forces, which requires other bodies to allocate more personnel.”

However, when asked about the impact of sending officers on security in Zurich, Hödl admitted:

“We are aware that sending 60 personnel will affect our capabilities during the Eurovision days, and overtime may be necessary to continue handling all events in the city. Nevertheless, the operational capacity of the municipal police will be maintained—including around Jewish institutions mentioned by the canton.”

Criticism of Basel: Why Did You Even Apply to Host?

Alongside Canton Zurich’s refusal, criticism has also been voiced by other police bodies across Switzerland. According to several sources cited in the original report, some cantons argued that Basel should not have submitted its bid to host the competition due to its long-standing issues with police staffing shortages.

Last June, approximately 120 full-time positions were vacant in Basel’s cantonal police force. Nevertheless, the city managed to outbid cities like Zurich and Geneva to secure hosting rights for the competition. In principle, each canton is responsible for securing events within its borders. Requests for police assistance from across Switzerland are typically made only for events of international political significance. Therefore, some question the legitimacy of Basel’s request for comprehensive reinforcements, suggesting that the city should have refrained from applying in the first place.

As Basel prepares to host one of the world’s largest cultural events, cracks in Swiss solidarity are becoming evident. Canton Zurich’s unusual refusal to send reinforcements not only undermines the security of the event but also highlights internal tensions within a country that prides itself on unity. While Basel may have triumphed over Zurich in securing hosting rights, it now faces the real test of cooperation – standing alone on the ground.




Eurovision 2025: Dates and Time

The Eurovision Song Contest for 2025 will take place in May, as per tradition. Here are the exact dates:

For those wondering “What time will Eurovision 2025 air?” each event will begin at 21:00 CET.

Israel will compete in the second semi-final on Thursday, May 15th, hoping for a successful performance! If Israel makes it into the top ten songs of the semi-final, it will advance to the grand final broadcast on May 17th at 21:00 CET.



Eurovision 2025’s Venue

Eurovision 2025 will be held in Basel, Switzerland. This marks the third time Switzerland has hosted the competition, following previous events in 1956 in Lugano, and 1989 in Lausanne. The event will take place at St. Jakobshalle arena, which is expected to accommodate approximately 12,000 spectators per show. Choosing this venue ensures an impressive experience for both live audiences and viewers at home with excellent acoustics and advanced technical conditions.

Preparations for Eurovision 2025

Preparations for Eurovision 2025 are already underway. On January 28th, 2025, a draw determined which countries would perform in each semi-final, it’s a crucial event shaping the competition’s structure. Following this draw, ticket sales for Eurovision began on January 29th, allowing fans to secure their spots at the arena. Currently, each representative is rehearsing their performance in their respective countries ahead of May’s big stage show. In early May, all delegations will arrive in Basel to conduct organized rehearsals on the competition stage.




Side Events and Eurovision Parties

Leading up to Eurovision 2025, several side events and parties are planned across Europe. These events feature Eurovision contestants showcasing their songs ahead of the competition. For contestants, these gatherings offer an excellent opportunity to promote their songs, meet fans, and give interviews to various European media outlets.

These events include:

  • Eurovision in Concert – Amsterdam – April 5th

  • MancHagen – Manchester – April 11th–13th

  • PrePartyES – Madrid – April 17th–19th




The History of Eurovision

The Eurovision Song Contest began in 1956 as an attempt to unite Europe after World War II through music. Since then, it has evolved into one of the largest and most-watched musical events worldwide. Over the years, Eurovision has served as a stage for some of the world’s most successful artists like ABBA, Céline Dion, and Julio Iglesias.

Initially determined by jury votes alone, technological advancements have transformed voting methods over time. Today viewers can vote via apps and text messages while enjoying live broadcasts globally through digital platforms. Furthermore, technology enables more spectacular performances with advanced visual effects enriching viewers’ experience.




Impact of Eurovision

Eurovision has significantly influenced popular culture across Europe and beyond—many competing songs becoming international hits while fostering LGBTQ+ rights acceptance alongside broader cultural diversity appreciation.

Hosting Eurovision also presents substantial economic opportunities for host countries—attracting thousands of tourists creating temporary jobs alongside providing international exposure despite high hosting costs sparking public debates over feasibility periodically.

Source: NZZ.

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.