THE Swiss will vote Sunday on expanding the country’s motorways, the powers given to landlords, and in Basel whether the city’s taxpayers should finance hosting the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest. In Swiss referendums, most voters cast their ballots in advance by post, so the polling stations are only open for a few hours until noon (1100 GMT). The results are expected later Sunday.
Swiss voters will decide on key issues through upcoming referendums. Following Nemo’s Eurovision 2024 win, Basel was selected to host the 2025 contest, but funding of 34.96 million Swiss francs ($39.5 million) is under scrutiny. The conservative Federal Democratic Union forced a vote, citing concerns over costs and logistics. Supporters highlight potential tourism revenue of 60 million francs, while a rejection would drastically scale down the event.
Separately, a 4.9 billion franc ($5.5 billion) motorway expansion plan, including Rhine tunnels, faces criticism from environmentalists arguing it will worsen congestion and neglect eco-friendly transport alternatives. Finally, new tenancy laws aim to limit sub-letting abuses and simplify lease terminations. Tenant advocates oppose these measures, warning they could lead to higher rents and reduced protections for Switzerland’s 60 per cent tenant population.
AFP
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