21.11.2024 13:52
(Akt. 21.11.2024 13:52)
Nemo probably didn’t see the quarrels in Basel coming
©APA/AFP
On the initiative of a Christian fundamentalist splinter party, the people of Basel will vote on Sunday on the financing of the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) 2025. Opponents criticize a “pure waste” of public money for a “blasphemous” music event. Basel has budgeted 35 million Swiss francs (37.6 million euros) in grants for the competition. If the referendum is successful, the event in May 2025 would have to be significantly smaller.
“The ten-day event would then have to be reduced to a large television show on Saturday evening,” says ESC spokesman Edi Estermann. The entire supporting program away from the main stage would have to be canceled. “And that would of course mean far less added value for the city and the whole of Switzerland,” warns Estermann.
This year, Nemo won for Switzerland at the ESC in Malmö, Sweden, which is why the Swiss Confederation will be able to host the competition for the third time next May, which regularly attracts a huge international audience. Basel beat other Swiss cities as the venue.
But some Swiss people find the Eurovision Song Contest a thorn in their side. The ultra-conservative Swiss Federal Democratic Union (EDU) mobilized against the ESC and forced the referendum with the signatures it collected. When voting on Sunday, the people of Basel can decide whether the city should spend the planned 35 million francs on the competition. The competition is primarily financed by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). However, the venues also have to contribute to the costs, especially security costs.
“The first argument is financial,” says Philippe Karoubi from the EDU party executive. “This is a completely disproportionate public expenditure, a complete waste.” The problem is that tax money is used, while the financial benefits mainly go to private companies such as hotels.
If things go similarly to the competitions in Malmö and Liverpool, England, Basel can expect income of around 60 million Swiss francs from the ESC. According to the EBU, Malmö has “recorded a large number of international visitors to the city, spending generously during their stay” since the ESC in May.
But the small religious party is not just concerned about money. The ESC conveys “ideologies that clearly violate Western Judeo-Christian values and those of Switzerland in particular,” says Karoubi, and is particularly offended by what he sees as the “transgender ideology” and “wokeness” that are being propagated. There are also “blasphemous performances” at the singing competition, some of which border on “occult.” The performance of Bambie Thug from Ireland this year, for example, was almost a “kind of black mass,” rails Karoubi.
If a majority of Basel residents vote against the ESC millions on Sunday, the organizers will face a problem. They don’t have a plan B yet. Theoretically, the competition could be hurt in another Swiss city, “but that would have to be carefully considered, because the preparations in Basel are already well advanced,” warns Estermann.
**To what extent does the debate surrounding Basel’s Eurovision referendum reveal polarized perspectives on the role of public funding in supporting cultural events?**
## World Today News: Basel Votes on Eurovision – A Balancing Act?
**Host:** Welcome to World Today News! Today, we delve into the controversial upcoming referendum in Basel, Switzerland, where residents will vote on whether or not to fund the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) 2025.
Joining us for this discussion are two insightful voices:
* **Philippe Karoubi**, Executive member of the Swiss Federal Democratic Union (EDU), the party behind the referendum.
* **Edi Estermann**, Spokesperson for the Eurovision Song Contest.
We’ll be exploring the financial implications, cultural impact, and underlying ideologies that have ignited this debate.
**Section 1: The Financial Landscape of Eurovision**
**Host:** Mr. Estermann, Basel has allocated 35 million Swiss francs to host the ESC. Can you elaborate on how this funding is utilized and what benefits it brings to the city and Switzerland?
**Edi Estermann:** Absolutely. These funds contribute to various aspects of the event, including security, infrastructure, staging, and logistics. The ESC attracts a massive international audience, both in-person and through broadcasting, boosting tourism, hospitality, and local businesses. We anticipate significant economic returns, much like Malmö and Liverpool experienced.
**Host:** Mr. Karoubi, the EDU argues that this expenditure is a ”complete waste” and that the financial benefits primarily go to private companies. Can you elaborate on your concerns?
**Philippe Karoubi:** We believe that using taxpayer money for a primarily entertainment-focused event is irresponsible, especially when considering the potential for more socially beneficial investments. While some businesses may profit, the long-term economic impact for the city and its residents is questionable.
**Section 2: Clash of Cultures and Values**
**Host:** The EDU has expressed concerns about the ESC promoting “ideologies” that conflict with Swiss values, particularly citing “transgender ideology” and “wokeness.” Mr. Karoubi, can you articulate these concerns and provide specific examples?
**Philippe Karoubi:** Our core concern is the celebration of lifestyles and ideologies that we believe clash with the Judeo-Christian values that underpin Swiss society. Performances that promote what we perceive as transgender ideology or “wokeness” are harmful and do not reflect the majority values of our nation.
**Host:** Mr. Estermann, how do you respond to these accusations? Do you believe the ESC actively promotes any specific political or social ideologies?
**Edi Estermann:** The Eurovision Song Contest is a platform for cultural exchange and artistic expression. It celebrates diversity and promotes tolerance and understanding. We strive to be inclusive and representative of the vast array of cultures and beliefs across Europe. While individual performances may contain personal messages, the ESC itself does not endorse any specific political or social agenda.
**Section 3: The Future of Eurovision in Basel**
**Host:** If the referendum results in a “no,” what are the implications for the 2025 ESC? Mr. Estermann, does the ESC have a Plan B?
**Edi Estermann:** The potential impact is significant. Basel has invested considerably in preparations, and changing the location at this stage would be highly challenging.
We are hopeful that the people of Basel will recognize the immense cultural and economic benefits of hosting the ESC.
**Host:** Mr. Karoubi, what would be the outcome you would like to see from this referendum, and what alternative do you envision for Basel?
**Philippe Karoubi:** We are confident that the residents of Basel will share our concerns. This referendum is about taking a stand for our values and responsible spending. We encourage Basel to invest in initiatives that truly benefit the community.
**Host:** Thank you both for your insightful perspectives on this complex issue. The vote in Basel is bound to have significant repercussions, and we will continue to follow developments closely.
