Satanism-Accusations - Is the ESC possessed by the devil? Swiss want to let voting Decision in Competition
After Nemo's victory at the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) in Malmo, Sweden, Switzerland is allowed to host the much-anticipated music competition for the first time in a while. Zurich, Geneva, Basel, and Bern, as well as Nemo's hometown Biel, are potential host cities.
Which hosting city will be announced latest by the end of August is not only uncertain due to the associated costs but also due to a Swiss tradition: referendums.
ESC celebrates "Satanism and Occultism"
In Switzerland, citizens can call for referendums on a local, cantonal, and national level – even on matters such as the organization of a music event like the ESC. The prerequisite is that a sufficient number of signatures are collected. And it is to be expected that the Christian-fundamentalist right-wing party Swiss People's Party (SVP), also known as the Swiss Democratic Union (EDU), will make use of this opportunity.
The EDU sees itself as the guardian of "timeless Christian values" and accuses the ESC of "celebrating or at least tolerating Satanism and Occultism," as reported publicly-owned broadcaster SRF, citing EDU board member Samuel Kullmann. The politician allegedly pointed to the devil-like horns that Irish contestant Bambie Thug wore during her ESC performance in May.
Is DJ Bobo satanic?
The SVP started a petition against the Swiss candidate DJ Bobo's entry in 2007. The party condemned the song "Vampires Are Alive" back then as "satanic."
SVP chairman Daniel Frischknecht aims to prevent the colorful and popular ESC in Switzerland "by all means," according to "Le Temps." The local SVP branches have already initiated measures for a corresponding referendum in Zurich and Bern. However, the next regular term for referendums in Switzerland is only after the decision on the ESC hosting location.
The Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SRG SSR), which decides on the ESC hosting location, fears that this could result in unexpected costly conditions through referendums. "The financial obligations would certainly be less risky without referendum obligations," said SRG SSR spokesperson Edi Estermann to SRF.
ESC causes "Costs and Disturbances"
In Zurich and Bern, the right-wing populist party is currently examining the possibility of local referendums. They argue that the ESC not only causes costs but also disturbances – as was the case this year in Malmo, where the music event was accompanied by demonstrations against Israel's military action in the Gaza Strip.
It is therefore only right and reasonable if the citizens are consulted in advance, argues the head of the Swiss People's Party, Marcel Dettling. However, the representatives of his party in Basel and Geneva hold a positive view of an ESC organization, as they promise local gastronomy and tourism revenues.
Quarrels over the costs of major events are nothing new in Switzerland. The country is set to host the Women's European Football Championship next year. The government in Bern wanted to reduce the allocated budget from 15 to four million francs. After heated debates, the parliament eventually blocked this plan.
Despite Switzerland's impending opportunity to host the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) for the first time in years, the hosting city remains uncertain due to financial and referendum-related issues. Zurich and Bern, alongside other potential cities, are under consideration. However, the Swiss People's Party (SVP), also known as the Swiss Democratic Union (EDU), may initiate referendums on this matter based on their belief that the ESC promotes Satanism and Occultism. This belief stems from their criticism of the contest's alleged toleration of such themes, citing the Irish contestant Bambie Thug's performance in May.
In 2007, the SVP launched a petition against DJ Bobo's ESC entry, accusing him of satanic influences. The SVP chairman, Daniel Frischknecht, aims to prevent the ESC in Switzerland by any means possible. Local branches in Zurich and Bern have already started preparations for a corresponding referendum, but the next regular term for such actions is post-decision on the ESC hosting location.
The Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SRG SSR) is concerned that referendums could result in additional, potentially unfavorable financial obligations. The SVP argues that the ESC is not just costly but also disorderly, referencing the demonstrations against Israel's military actions in Gaza during the 2022 contest in Malmö, Sweden.
Quarrels over major event costs are a common occurrence in Switzerland. The country is set to host the Women's European Football Championship next year, with initial budget reductions from 15 to four million francs subsequently being blocked by parliament due to heated debates.
