Released from custody: Senior officials from the Nice municipality and the French national broadcaster were questioned in the Junior Eurovision affair, but the investigation into appointments and public funding is ongoing.
End of Detention – But Not the End of the Story: On Monday, June 30th, the three central figures at the heart of the investigation were questioned at the Marseille police headquarters: President of the French national broadcaster, Delphine Ernotte-Cunci, Mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, and his journalist wife, Laura Tenoudji. The three were detained for questioning as part of an ongoing investigation regarding the use of public funds and municipal allocations for two major events held in Nice in 2023: Junior Eurovision and the Climate Summit.
At the conclusion of the interrogations, all three were released, and no charges were filed against them. Estrosi’s lawyer claimed this was “a clear political weapon”, and further stated that a counter-complaint for defamation had been filed against political opponents in the city.
Background: Eurovision, Funding, and Appointments
As previously revealed in a EuroMix report, the investigation began in August 2024 following a complaint by a former municipal employee. According to the findings, the Nice municipality invested over €600,000 in hosting the 2023 Junior Eurovision. Simultaneously, the mayor’s wife, Laura Tenoudji—a well-known journalist and television presenter – was appointed as host of the opening ceremony. Opposition members in the city council argued that this represented a blatant conflict of interest, especially since the appointment was made without a public tender.
Additionally, investigations were also conducted regarding the Climate Summit held that same year. It was alleged that Tenoudji played a central role in this publicly funded event as well, and at one point had to relinquish her position following criticism.
Wide-Ranging Inter-Regional Investigation – and a New Focus: Media Institutions
Beyond the Estrosi couple, the president of the French national broadcaster was also summoned for questioning, apparently due to the approval given for Tenoudji’s appointment as host – using the national platform. This is considered an unusual step, as the French national broadcaster has until now been seen as a stable, state institution representing France in Eurovision competitions across Europe.
A lively debate has erupted on social media in recent days: Does the involvement of politicians’ family members in production and broadcasting roles undermine public trust? Is this a widespread phenomenon, or a serious deviation that threatens the reputation of the Eurovision brand?
Commentary: Crossing Lines Between Television and Politics
Although the end of the detention provides temporary relief for those questioned, the investigation itself continues – and may expose corruption in the interactions between municipalities, production companies, and media entities. In a world where music productions like Junior Eurovision are seen as clean, family-friendly, and educational, any suspicion of corruption damages not only reputations but also international trust in the organizers.
Over the years, we at EuroMix have closely observed how such cases develop and often lead to significant reforms. Will this investigation also result in procedural changes, clearer rules, or new limitations on family ties in official roles?
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.
