The Swiss canton of Basel will decide in a referendum on Sunday whether to spend millions of euros on organizing the international Eurovision song contest, which the opposition has called a waste of public money for fruitful musical event.
If voters in the canton of Basel vote against allocating 34.96 million Swiss francs (42.82 million euros) for the organization of Eurovision, as the regional authorities expected, the event will have to be postponed less.
Eurovision is currently expected to last around ten days and include many public events in and around Basel. However, in the event of a funding cut, the whole Eurovision will be one big TV show held in one evening, explains Edi Estermans, Eurovision 2025 communications director, adding, of course, that this would create much less. benefits for the city and the country.
This year, Eurovision was held in the Swedish city of Malmö. The singer representing Switzerland Nemo (full name Nemo Metlers) won the competition with the song “The Code”, so in 2025 Switzerland had to take on the role of Eurovision host. In August, it was announced that the next Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Basel from 13 to 17 May.
2024-11-21 10:47:00
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**PAA:** What assumptions are made about the potential economic benefits of hosting Eurovision, and how reliable are these assumptions given the experience of previous host cities?
## Interview: Eurovision in Basel: A Celebration or a Waste?
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News. Today, we’re delving into a hot topic in Switzerland: the upcoming referendum on funding Eurovision 2025 in Basel. Joining us are two prominent voices on this issue: **[Guest 1 Name & Title]** representing those supporting the bid, and **[Guest 2 Name & Title]** voicing concerns about the public spending. Let’s explore the arguments for and against hosting this global event.
**Section 1: The Economic Impact**
* **Host:** [Guest 1], let’s start with the potential economic benefits. The article mentions increased tourism and public events. Can you elaborate on the projected economic return for Basel and Switzerland as a whole?
* **Guest 1:** (Elaboration on potential economic benefits, citing examples, data, or studies):
* **Host:** [Guest 2], the opposition sees this as a “waste of public money.” What are your primary concerns regarding the financial risks involved in hosting Eurovision?
* **Guest 2:** (Articulation of financial concerns, addressing potential cost overruns, opportunity costs, etc.)
**Section 2: Cultural Value and Legacy**
* **Host:** Beyond the immediate economic impact, Eurovision is undoubtedly a significant cultural event. [Guest 1], how do you see Eurovision contributing to Basel’s cultural landscape and international standing?
* **Guest 1:** (Highlighting potential cultural benefits, showcasing Basel’s artistic scene, promoting European unity, etc.)
* **Host:** [Guest 2], some critics argue that the cultural impact is fleeting and doesn’t justify the enormous cost. What are your thoughts on Eurovision’s long-term cultural legacy for Basel?
* **Guest 2:** (Presenting a counter-argument, discussing potential negative impacts on local culture, emphasizing the need for long-term cultural investment, etc.)
**Section 3: Public Engagement and Decision-Making**
* **Host:** Ultimately, the decision rests with the people of Basel through the referendum. [Guest 1], what message would you like to send to voters who are still undecided?
* **Guest 1:** (Appealing to voters, emphasizing the benefits of hosting Eurovision, urging them to consider the long-term impact, etc.)
* **Host:** [Guest 2], what concerns would you raise for those who are leaning towards voting “yes?”
* **Guest 2:** (Emphasizing the risks and potential downsides, encouraging voters to carefully consider the financial implications and evaluate alternative uses for public funds, etc.)
**Conclusion:**
* **Host:** This has been a fascinating discussion. The decision facing Basel is complex, with both potential benefits and risks. We encourage our viewers to engage in informed conversation and make their voices heard in the upcoming referendum. Thank you to both our guests for sharing their valuable insights.
**(Optional):** The Host could conclude by mentioning the date of the referendum and directing viewers to further resources for information.
