Victory for “propaganda platform”: Basel citizens approve 40 million loan for ESC

Victory for “propaganda platform” Basel citizens approve 40 million loan for ESC

November 24, 2024, 9:07 p.m. Listen to article

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In May, Nemo wins the Eurovision Song Contest for Switzerland. Next year, Basel is inviting you to the big ESC party. But a small Christian conservative party is resisting the alleged “propaganda” event. The population has a different opinion when they vote.

The Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) can take place in full in Basel. In a referendum, 66.6 percent of Basel citizens gave the green light to a 40 million euro loan from the canton, as the State Chancellery announced. This is intended to finance expenses, among other things, for the accompanying program, but also for accommodation, welcome campaigns and the expansion of local public transport.

“The fact that two thirds of Basel residents support the ESC is a satisfaction. And it is an incentive for all the people who are working intensively to ensure that we can hold a safe, great event for the entire population in May,” said the Basel government president Conradin Cramer.

The small Christian conservative party Federal Democratic Union (EDU) initiated the vote by collecting around 4,000 signatures. She criticizes the ESC as a “propaganda platform” for homosexual and non-binary people that promotes satanism and the occult. In addition, the charged political atmosphere was a security risk, argued the EDU.

Hoping for a positive effect

Politics and business had clearly supported the event in advance. In September, the cantonal parliament voted almost unanimously in favor of the loan. The big festival puts Basel in the international spotlight. Companies also hope for a positive effect from the many ESC fans and the image gain. “Various industries will benefit during the event, but additional guests will also come to Basel in the long term,” said District President Cramer, appealing for “yes” votes.

The ESC is the largest music competition in the world. After Nemo’s victory with the title “The Code” at the ESC 2024 in Malmö, Switzerland will be the host country next year. In addition to Bern/Biel, Zurich and Geneva, Basel also applied as a venue with the motto “Crossing Borders”. At the end of August, the town of 170,000 residents near the German border was awarded the contract by the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SRG).

Third event in Switzerland

The ESC lasts around a week. The highlight are the three live shows for the semi-finals and the final on May 13th, 15th and 17th, 2025. Experience shows that they reach between 150 and 180 million TV viewers worldwide. The main venue for the shows with an audience is the St. Jakobshalle in Basel.

It is the third time that an ESC is taking place in Switzerland. In 1956 it was held in Lugano under the name Grand Prix Eurovision de la Chanson. Lausanne followed in 1989.

**Considering the EDU’s concerns, how can Basel ensure that the Eurovision Song Contest aligns with the diverse values and priorities of⁣ all its citizens?**

## World Today News Interview: Basel’s Eurovision Victory

**Host:** Welcome to ⁤World Today News. Tonight, we’ll be discussing the recent referendum in Basel, where citizens overwhelmingly voted in favor of a loan to host the 2025‍ Eurovision‍ Song Contest.​ Joining us tonight are [Guest 1 Name], a representative from the ⁤pro-ESC ​campaign, and [Guest 2 Name], a member⁣ of the Federal Democratic‍ Union, the party that initiated the referendum.

**Section 1: The Citizen’s Voice**

* **Host**: The referendum results clearly show strong public support for hosting the Eurovision Song Contest. What does this resounding ‘yes’‍ vote tell us about the values and priorities of the⁢ people of Basel?

* **Guest 1**: How do you interpret the significant margin of victory? Does this reflect a positive shift in societal attitudes?

* **Guest 2**: Despite the Opposition’s concerns, the citizens have spoken. What does‌ this outcome mean⁣ for the future of engagement between⁢ the EDU and the Basel community on ⁢social issues?

**Section 2: Economic Impact and⁣ Tourism**

* **Host:** The article highlights the ⁣potential economic benefits of‍ hosting ESC. Can you elaborate on the specific ways Basel‍ businesses and tourism‌ are expected to benefit from this event?

* ​**Guest 1**: How will the city ensure these economic benefits are sustained⁣ beyond the duration of the event? ‌Will there be initiatives to capitalize on‍ the increased international attention Basel will receive?

* **Guest 2**: Are you concerned about the financial implications of hosting such a large-scale event? ⁢How will the city mitigate potential risks and ensure ⁢responsible spending?

**Section 3:​ Social‌ and⁤ Cultural Impact**

* **Host**: ESC is known for ⁤its celebration of diversity and inclusivity. What message does hosting the event send about ​Basel’s stance on these issues?

* **Guest⁤ 1**: ⁢ How will Basel ensure that ESC is a welcoming and inclusive experience for all participants and attendees, regardless of their background or beliefs?

* ‌**Guest 2**: ​ The EDU expressed concerns that ESC promotes values they disagree with. How can we foster a healthy dialogue around these differing values and perspectives within⁤ the community?

**Section‍ 4:‍ Looking Ahead to 2025**

* **Host**: With ⁣the referendum behind them, ⁣what are the next steps for Basel as they prepare to host Eurovision 2025?

* **Guest 1**: What are the key challenges and opportunities Basel faces in planning and executing ⁤a⁤ successful event?

* **Guest 2**: Despite your opposition‌ to⁤ the​ event, what aspects of‌ Basel’s hosting plans are you ‍hopeful about? Is there room ⁣for‍ collaboration and compromise ⁢moving forward?

*‍ **Host**: Thank you both for sharing your perspectives. We‍ wish Basel all the best in hosting a memorable Eurovision Song Contest in 2025.