A significant controversy has erupted in Austria surrounding Eurovision 2025. The Governor of Lower Austria, Johanna Mikl-Leitner, sharply criticized the statements made by Eurovision winner JJ, who called for Israel’s removal from the upcoming contest. According to Mikl-Leitner, a member of the center-right ÖVP party,

“Anyone who seeks to boycott Israel and equates it with Russia, without mentioning the Hamas terror attack, urgently needs a history lesson”.

Her remarks were made in recent days amid a heated public debate about Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest.

Mikl-Leitner, one of Austria’s most prominent political figures, made it clear that, in her view, there is no place for Eurovision 2025 without Israel’s participation. She emphasized that antisemitism, in any form, will not be tolerated in Europe and called for a clear distinction between political criticism and racism:

“Antisemitism has no place in Europe – no matter how it is disguised”.

JJ’s Comments Ignite Media Storm

JJ, Austria’s representative who won Eurovision 2025 with the song “Wasted Love,” sparked a media storm across Europe and on social media following an interview with the Spanish newspaper “El País.” In the interview, he stated:

“It is very disappointing that Israel is still participating in the contest, […] I would like next year’s Eurovision to take place in Vienna – without Israel”.

 JJ also compared Israel to Russia, claiming both are “aggressive states” – a statement that drew sharp condemnation from politicians and cultural figures in Austria and across Europe.

Following the intense public criticism, JJ attempted to clarify his remarks:

“I’m sorry my words were misunderstood. Although I have criticism of the Israeli government, I condemn all forms of violence against all people in the world – including Israelis and Palestinians”.

However, he did not retract his position regarding Israel’s participation in Eurovision.

The Austrian national broadcaster ORF was quick to clarify that JJ’s statements reflect his personal views only, emphasizing that Eurovision is, first and foremost, a musical event, not a political one.

Eurovision 2025: Where Politics and Music Collide

Eurovision 2025, like its predecessors, has become an arena where the values of freedom of expression, politics, and music collide. In recent years, there has been a noticeable rise in tensions surrounding Israel’s participation, especially in light of the ongoing security and political situation in the Middle East. Mikl-Leitner chose to stress the difference between legitimate criticism of the Israeli government and calls to boycott an entire country – a red line that has increasingly blurred in recent times.

Experts in the music industry are divided: some argue that the Eurovision Song Contest should remain free of politics and that calls to boycott countries threaten the spirit of the event. Others, particularly among Eurovision fans in certain countries, believe there is room for political protest on the Eurovision stage, including calls to boycott Israel.

“Eurovision cannot completely ignore political reality, especially when it involves wars and violence”.

Explain some Eurovision enthusiasts in Spain.

Eurovision 2025 – A Watershed Moment?

The current controversy over Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2025 once again highlights how the contest has become a charged arena where not only songs are judged, but also values, principles, and boundaries. Mikl-Leitner’s stance, as expressed this week, sends a clear message against attempts to boycott Israel and places Austria – and possibly all of Europe – before a fundamental decision: Will the Eurovision Song Contest remain a unifying platform, or will it become a political tool?

Austria at Eurovision 2025

JJ, 23, is the opera singer who represented Austria at Eurovision 2025 with the song “Wasted Love”, after being selected internally by the local national broadcaster ORF. JJ won Eurovision in first place after receiving 436 points in the grand final – 258 from the jury, placing first, and 178 from the public, placing fourth. This included 8 points from the Israeli public and 6 points from the Israeli jury.

JJ’s victory marks Austria’s third win in the history of the contest, following the wins of Udo Jürgens in 1966 (“Merci, Cherie”) and Conchita Wurst in 2014 (“Rise Like a Phoenix”).