Bernese government requests 30 million for Eurovision Song Contest
Published: Thursday, Jul 4th 2024, 09:10
Volver a Live Feed
The Bernese cantonal government is applying for a loan of CHF 29.4 million in the event that Bern and Biel are allowed to host the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) in 2025. This was announced by the Canton of Bern on Thursday.
27.4 million francs relate to security deposits that are to be granted as a waiver of revenue. There is also an event contribution of two million francs. With the exception of personnel costs for the cantonal police, the contributions are not included in the 2025 budget.
All in all, the government council announced that the budget would be burdened with a maximum of CHF 9.25 million. If the federal government were to contribute to the expected extent, the maximum amount would be CHF 4.9 million.
The SRG will decide on the venue at the end of August. In addition to Bern/Biel, Zurich, Geneva and Basel have also submitted bids.
If the Bernese bid is successful, the cantonal parliament will discuss the 30 million loan in the fall session. Bern's largest party, the SVP, is already threatening a referendum. Priority must be given to tax relief for the population instead of expensive major events for a few, it said.
In the city of Bern, a loan of seven million francs was on the agenda of the city parliament on Thursday evening. The SVP and the Green Alternative Party are opposing the bill. The referendum form is already at the city chancellery for preliminary examination.
©Keystone/SDA
Spanish 
English 
German 
French 
Arabic