Switzerland in the Eurovision Song Contest Switzerland in the Eurovision Song Contest Switzerland has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 59 times since making its debut at the first contest in , missing only four contests, in 1995, 1999, 2001 and 2003. Switzerland hosted the first contest in 1956 in Lugano, and won it. Switzerland won the contest again in 1988, with the contest being held in Lausanne. Lys Assia won the first contest in 1956 with the song "Refrain". She returned to place second in . Switzerland would go on to finish second with Esther Ofarim () and Daniela Simmons () and third with Franca
France in the Eurovision Song Contest 1988 Yugoslavia), placing France 10th of the 21 entries. The French jury awarded its 12 points to Denmark. France in the Eurovision Song Contest 1988 France was represented by Gérard Lenorman, with the song '"Chanteur de charme", at the 1988 Eurovision Song Contest, which took place on 30 April in Dublin. For the first time since taking over responsibility for the French Eurovision selection in 1983, broadcaster Antenne 2 opted to choose their entry by internal selection rather than a public final. On the night of the final Lenorman performed 19th in the running order, following Italy and preceding Portugal. At