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Baden’s bold ad-free billboards ignite debate over public spending and sustainability

What happens when a city erases ads to make a statement? Baden’s experiment fuels clashes over creativity, waste, and who decides what’s worth funding.

This is an advertisement. In this picture we can see a poster on the wall.
This is an advertisement. In this picture we can see a poster on the wall.

Baden’s bold ad-free billboards ignite debate over public spending and sustainability

The City of Baden's recent ad campaign has sparked controversy. While the Greens have commended it, other political parties like the FDP, Center Party, SVP, and even left-wing voices have criticized it, citing its cost and perceived lack of benefit. The campaign, which costs CHF 13,000 to rent 13 billboards, aims to stimulate discussion about consumption and sustainability by showing public spaces without ads. Partners such as the ZHAW and the Energy City of Baden have also contributed to the expenses. Ueli Zulauf (SP-Politiker) and Maurizio Savastano (FDP-Fraktionspräsident) have slammed the campaign, questioning its value. They argue that the money could be better spent on other initiatives. However, the Greens have praised the campaign, describing it as creative and appealing, encouraging people to think about ads and consumption. Despite the mixed reactions, the City of Baden's ad campaign continues to spark debate about consumption, sustainability, and the use of public funds. The total cost of the campaign remains CHF 13,000, with additional expenses covered by partners.

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