Basel-Stadt votes on 37.5 million francs for the ESC
Published: Sunday, Nov 3rd 2024, 10:40
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On November 24, the canton of Basel-Stadt will vote on spending CHF 37.5 million to host the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC), among other things. The bill will be put to the ballot box after the small EDU party launched a referendum against the corresponding decision by the cantonal parliament.
The government had requested this expenditure for the ESC accompanying program in Basel as well as for infrastructure, security, transport and accommodation, among other things. It expects net expenditure of CHF 35 million, as income of CHF 2.5 million is expected from the "Arena Plus" public viewing event in the St. Jakob-Park stadium.
If the Basel electorate votes against the canton's contribution, the ESC in May 2025 would have to be significantly scaled back, according to SRG. The event would be limited to a television show without an accompanying program - and therefore with less added value for the city.
The cantonal parliament approved the issue in September by 87 votes to 4 with 4 abstentions. The ESC enjoys the support of all parliamentary groups. The Basel Trade Association is also a strong supporter of the major event.
The referendum submitted by the EDU at the end of October was successful with 3,912 signatures; 2,000 would have been required. The EDU has no fundamental objections to music, nor to the sexual orientation of the participants, said EDU President Daniel Frischknecht when handing over the signatures. However, the ESC has little to do with a music show and is highly politically and ideologically charged.
Music promotion and voting rights for foreigners
The Basel electorate also has to decide on two other proposals. The first is whether foreign nationals should be granted the right to vote and be elected at cantonal level if they have lived in the canton for at least five years and have a permanent residence permit.
However, they should only have the right to vote. This means they can vote, take part in referendums and sign initiatives and referendums. However, they are not allowed to be elected to office - in the event of a yes vote, the right to stand for election will remain reserved for Swiss citizens. As the Grand Council's decision requires an amendment to the cantonal constitution, the electorate must now decide on it.
Secondly, the initiative "for more musical diversity" will be put to the vote. This wants to stipulate in law that in future one third of funding in the music sector should go to the non-institutional music scene. This means that freelance musicians should receive more funding.
The initiative leaves open whether the required minimum third should be at the expense of institutions and orchestras or whether the entire cultural budget should be increased. Parliament will have to decide on this if the initiative is accepted.
©Keystone/SDA
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