Junior Eurovision 2023 in France sparked a criminal probe: France TV and the local mayor face allegations of conflicts of interest and suspected embezzlement.

In the midst of preparations for Eurovision 2026, France is facing a legal storm surrounding Junior Eurovision 2023 held in Nice. According to French media sources, a criminal investigation launched in August 2024 has summoned several representatives from the French national broadcaster, France Télévisions, including its president, Delphine Ernotte-Cunci, for questioning over suspected illegal use of public funds, conflicts of interest, and use of forged documents.

The investigation focuses on the decision by the Nice municipality, led by Mayor Christian Estrosi, to allocate approximately €605,000 to host the contest, and on the appointment of his wife, journalist Laura Tenoudji, as the official host of the event’s opening ceremony. Individuals involved in the case claim this constitutes a breach of proper administrative procedures and raises concerns about undue benefits between public officials who are spouses.

Institutional and Local Implications

The investigation sheds light on underlying tensions between local authorities in France and the national bodies responsible for public broadcasting. Authorities in Paris are closely monitoring developments, given the direct involvement of the French national broadcaster – a state-run entity representing France in both the adult and junior Eurovision competitions. French reports also indicate that police raids were conducted at the offices of the Nice municipality and the national broadcaster, with documents seized as evidence.

This affair creates a particularly sensitive dynamic: on one hand, there is a desire to maintain France’s status as a central force in Eurovision, a position that has grown stronger in recent years. On the other hand, pointed questions about financial and professional integrity threaten to undermine both public and institutional trust.

Background and Broader Context: Competition, Politics, and Public Media

The French national broadcaster has supported the Junior Eurovision since France’s return to the contest in 2018, achieving notable successes, including two victories. French productions have been regarded as polished and prestigious, culminating in the 2023 event in Nice.

However, the direct connection between the mayor, public funding, and his wife’s appointment on camera has sparked sharp reactions.

“Is this a professional appointment, or a clear case of favoritism?” Questioned French media outlets. The national broadcaster responded at the time, stating:

“Laura Tenoudji is an experienced journalist who has worked with the broadcaster for over 20 years.”

But the investigation was not satisfied with this explanation.

The Tension Between Representation, Production, and Ethics

From a broader perspective, this is an unusual event in the Eurovision context. While the Junior contest does not enjoy the same public resonance as the adult version, it has become a testing ground for media and technological innovation in recent years – from advanced voting systems to the integration of artificial intelligence in stage design.

The involvement of political figures in appointments and funding raises ethical questions even for a competition perceived as educational and “clean.” The French broadcaster further asserted that –

“The event undermines trust in the French broadcasting body, especially as it is seen as a leader in the Junior Eurovision arena”.

Implications for Future Participation

Could this affair affect France’s involvement in future competitions? In the short term, the impact is likely limited – the production of Junior Eurovision 2025 is already underway. However, in the future, criteria for host selection and financial transparency with public broadcasters may be scrutinized more closely.

Experience from covering Eurovision contests over the years shows that such developments have far-reaching effects. Eurovision is not just about music – it is also about representation, national pride, and the intersection of politics, media, and young audiences.

Junior Eurovision 2025

Junior Eurovision 2025, the 23rd edition of the EBU’s children’s song contest, will take place on December 13th in Tbilisi, Georgia, at the Olympic Palace events hall. The contest will be hosted by the Georgian national broadcaster GPB, following Georgia’s victory at Junior Eurovision 2024 with the song “To My Mom” performed by Andria Putkaradze.

This marks the second time Georgia will host the event – the first was in 2017. Although the winning country is not required to host the next edition, Georgia exercised its right of first refusal, a privilege granted to winners since 2019, and received official approval from the EBU in May 2025 after a complicated process involving denials, early reports, and conflicting statements.

This year’s contest is expected to feature 14 participating countries, including Poland, Spain, Croatia, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Ireland, Malta, Ukraine, Italy, Portugal, San Marino, Montenegro, Georgia, and Albania. Croatia and Montenegro will return after nearly a decade’s absence, while countries such as Germany, the United Kingdom, and Israel have announced they will not participate this year.

The contest will be broadcast across the continent, including live broadcasts on public channels and on the official Junior Eurovision YouTube channel.