After facing boos in Malmö, Eurovision Executive Supervisor Martin Österdahl addresses questions about democracy, protests, and Israel’s participation.

Photo: Sören Vilks

The 2024 Eurovision Song Contest held in Malmö, Sweden, was one of the most talked-about and complex competitions in terms of managing criticism and political sentiments in the background. Among the events that led to the heightened interest were the war in Gaza, which caused tumultuous protests outside the competition venue, and the boos received by Eurovision’s Executive Supervisor, Martin Österdahl, when he announced that the final voting results had been checked and approved. “This is how it should be in a democracy,” Österdahl said in an interview with the Swedish morning show SVT Morgonstudion, emphasizing the importance of freedom of expression in such an international event.

Difficult Decisions During Political Crisis

Österdahl, the Executive Supervisor of Eurovision, faced various criticisms from different audiences this year, especially regarding Israel’s participation despite the tense security situation. “It’s not easy to hear boos directly from the audience,” Österdahl admits, “but we knew it might happen, and we were prepared for it.” He added that the fact that the tumultuous protests were held outside the hall is precisely an example of a functioning democracy where people can express their opinions legally and without violence.

Is There Room for Countries in Conflict?

At the center of the discussion surrounding Eurovision 2024 in Malmö was the question of Israel’s participation, as the war in Gaza, forced upon Israel following the events of October 7th, sparked numerous reactions worldwide. Although Eurovision tries to maintain an apolitical stance, the situation in the Middle East raised questions among the audience regarding the participation policy of countries in active conflict. Österdahl responded to this question unequivocally:

“Eurovision is, first and foremost, a music competition designed to connect cultures through art and voice. Our rules state that it’s a competition of public broadcasters, not countries.”

Österdahl explained that a public broadcasting body that is a member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) is the one participating in the competition, not the country itself. In fact, as long as a public channel like the Israeli broadcaster (KAN) complies with the Union’s rules and is committed to Eurovision’s code of ethics, it has the right to participate regardless of the country’s political situation. “Eurovision was created with the aim of breaking political barriers through music, and providing a creative stage that is not tainted by political interests,” he added.

However, there are critics who view Israel’s participation as a moral issue. For them, Eurovision’s apolitical rules are not enough to deal with the complex reality, and they argue that the mere participation of a country in active conflict may convey a vague message about the Union’s support. Even among the audience itself, opinions seem divided – while some viewers support Israel’s participation as part of its right to broadcast cultural creation, others expressed the opposite opinion and responded with boos during the announcements.

Österdahl himself has often had to deal with these questions, emphasizing the importance of maintaining clear lines regarding the competition rules. According to him, these rules allow Eurovision to be a framework in which any country, regardless of its political situation, can participate as long as it respects the EBU’s values.

A Music Competition Without Politics?

Österdahl sought to clarify that Eurovision is meant to be a musical and not a political stage, and that this is its main purpose. “The goal is to hold a competition that focuses on music, art, and culture, not a platform for voicing political messages,” he explained. According to him, as long as the events take place without violence and demonstrations are held outside the hall, it aligns with the principles of democracy, which allows freedom of expression within the boundaries of the law.

Eurovision 2024 – Was the Goal Achieved?

Österdahl referred in his words to the future of Eurovision and the complex considerations that accompany managing such a competition in sensitive political situations. According to him, the decision to continue allowing competing countries to participate even in situations of political disputes is essential, with the understanding that Eurovision should remain a free platform for expressing culture, art, and music, and not necessarily deal with conflicts between them. “In the end,” he concludes, “it’s the audience’s right to express their views as long as it’s done in a quiet and respectful manner.”

Source: svt.se

Eurovision 2025: The 69th Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Basel, Switzerland, on May 13, 15, and 17, 2025. The St. Jakobshalle arena, which will host the competition, is expected to accommodate about 12,000 spectators for each show. The contest will take place in Switzerland following the country’s third historical win with the song “The Code”, performed by singer Nemo. This will be the third time the competition has been hosted in Switzerland, after the contest was held there in 1956 and 1989.