The Swiss City of Basel Votes to Spend Millions on Eurovision 2025
Basel Votes to Host Eurovision 2025
Voters in the Swiss city of Basel have overwhelmingly approved putting up about $60 million towards hosting next year’s Eurovision, ensuring that the iconic song contest will go ahead with its customary razzmatazz.
Significant Support for Hosting Eurovision
Final results revealed that 66.6% of voters in Basel supported allocating taxpayers’ money for staging Eurovision 2025, with a turnout of 57%.
Delight in Basel
Basel City regional president Conradin Cramer expressed his delight, stating, “For Basel, the ‘Yes’ means that we will be able to welcome visitors from Switzerland and Europe with open arms and offer them a wonderful program.”
Australian Connection to Eurovision
Eurovision holds significance in Australia, with SBS broadcasting the contest for over 40 years. Last year, over 2.2 million Australians tuned in to watch the event in Malmö, Sweden, across SBS’s live and prime-time broadcasts.
Selection of Basel as Host City
Swiss singer Nemo clinched victory at Eurovision, granting Switzerland the opportunity to host the 69th edition of the contest in Basel, a city on the northern border with France and Germany.
Controversy Surrounding Eurovision
The Federal Democratic Union of Switzerland (EDU) party criticized Eurovision for promoting ideologies like “wokeism” and trans rights, leading to a referendum on the funding for the event.
Details of Eurovision 2025
The contest will be held at St Jakobshalle in Basel, with semi-finals scheduled for 13 and 15 May, and the final on 17 May. Additional events will take place at St Jakob-Park football stadium and “Eurovision Street” in the Steinenvorstadt district.
Conclusion
Despite some controversy, Basel’s decision to invest in Eurovision 2025 highlights the city’s commitment to hosting an unforgettable event that will attract visitors from across Switzerland and Europe.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of Eurovision to Australia?
Eurovision holds a special place in Australia, with SBS broadcasting the contest for over four decades and garnering millions of viewers each year.
2. How was Basel chosen as the host city for Eurovision 2025?
Swiss singer Nemo’s victory at Eurovision granted Switzerland the right to host the 69th edition of the contest, with Basel being selected as the host city.