Last but not least: Jesses, finally over

What began as a publicity stunt by the Spinas Civil Voices agency (Werbewoche.ch reported), developed over time into a supposed question of national security. Not surprisingly, the audience decided to let the Salvation Army represent them at the next ESC. Unfortunately, Swiss television had forgotten to clarify whether a proselytizing, uniformed free church was allowed to participate in the contest at all. For the contest - despite all the friendship between the peoples - has certain conditions and does not want to be misused as an advertising platform. 

The drama took its course: When compromises were sought and the band wanted to perform without a uniform, Emil, the 94-year-old bass player, announced: "I go with uniform or not at all!". And from then on, the Salvation Army greeted us daily from the front pages of the online media. The example of Blick.ch looked something like this: 

The problem was: The longer the discussion lasted, the less interested the topic became. A large part of the population is of the opinion anyway that Swiss television should finally save itself the annual ESC shame, which was bought at great expense with Billag money. Another part is of the opinion that the song is too boring to get worked up about. In addition, there is the group that appreciates the charitable efforts of the Salvation Army, but still does not necessarily want to be represented by a free church on the European stage.

The bottom line is this: A successful - almost brilliant - campaign. Probably never before anywhere in the world has so much been reported about The Salvation Army as in Switzerland in the last six months. And when the contest is over one day - Switzerland will definitely not return home with zero points this time - we can go back to everyday life.

Thomas Häusermann