Next round in the financial Zoff on the ESAF

The organizers of the 2022 Federal Wrestling and Alpine Festival in Pratteln have exceeded their budget of CHF 42 million. “Achieving a balanced fixed account is a challenge,” said two and a half months after the festival. The gap was about four million francs. Nevertheless, OC chairman Thomas Weber was confident that he would be able to present a balanced final statement in March. Several solutions were tested.

So they tried to talk to the sponsors, but three of the six royal partners refused to intervene. Instead, individuals opened their wallets. And in mid-February, the district administrator of the canton of Baselland approved the application to pay the remainder in order to avoid the bankruptcy of the association “ESAF 2022 Pratteln im Baselbiet”. In total, the government assumes a cash flow of 350,000 francs. It is expected to be 180,000 francs net, as not all funds previously allocated have been exhausted.

Signatures are collected

But now this solution falters. Since Monday morning, signatures have been collected under “www.dasvolkschwingtmit.ch” to hold the referendum. Behind it are three individuals: President Patrick Vock, ex-adviser to SVP National Councilor Magdalena Martullo-Blocher, Yves Jenni, GLP candidate in the 2023 district election, and Melinda Kaeser. The list of other supporters is still empty.

“It should not be the case that taxpayers cross-subsidize a private event and thus have to finance the personal failures of the responsible dignitaries,” is the main argument. Furthermore, the OC is accused of not taking its responsibility sufficiently and that the extra costs are due to inflation, is referred to as “Mar”. “Private events should pay for their decisions privately and not publicly.” Otherwise, any private event, from an outdoor event to a trade show, could benefit from a shortage guarantee in the future.

The deadline for collecting the required 1,500 signatures is April 10, 2023. Only then can the referendum succeed and the people have the last word in the vote. In the first 24 hours, 32 people have signed so far.

Source : Blick