Music EDU takes referendum against Eurovision Song Contest in Basel

The Swiss Federal Democratic Union (EDU) wants to hold a referendum to prevent the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) from being held in Basel from May 13 to 17, 2025. The EDU Switzerland is therefore launching a referendum against a loan granted by the Basel cantonal parliament.

Daniel Frischknecht, President of EDU Switzerland, announced on Monday that the collection period had begun with the publication in the Basel-Stadt cantonal gazette on Saturday. The EDU is confident that "with the help of many Basel residents" it will be able to bring about a referendum against the loan of 34.9 million francs. This would allow the electorate of the canton of Basel-Stadt to decide on the loan at the ballot box.

The loan was approved by the Basel cantonal parliament last Wednesday by 87 votes to 4 with 4 abstentions. The majority of all parliamentary groups were in favor. The government had requested the expenditure for various areas such as infrastructure, security, rescue, transportation, accommodation, welcome activities and supporting events. The main venue will be the St. Jakobshalle.

In order for the referendum to take place, at least 2,000 certified signatures must be collected and submitted by October 26. The small party EDU had already announced earlier that it would launch a referendum against public spending on the "propaganda event". According to the government council, a vote would take place on November 24.

SDA