Alenka Gotar, Slovenian Eurovision representative in 2007, warns Slovenia will likely withdraw from the contest this year due to Israel’s participation, reflecting growing tensions between RTVSLO and Israel.
The Slovenian national broadcaster, RTVSLO, has in recent years maintained a very tense relationship with Israel, against the backdrop of the opposition from the country’s left-wing government to Israel’s participation in the contest. The national broadcaster, led by Ksenija Horvat, has been one of the main drivers of action against Israel within the EBU.
The Slovenian Eurovision representative in 2007, Alenka Gotar, who in better days was at the center of decision-making within the national broadcaster, expressed pessimism regarding the country’s participation in Eurovision. According to her, Slovenia is almost certain to withdraw this year because of Israel’s participation.
Until 2022, Slovenia was led by Janez Janša, a staunchly pro-Israeli leader. During his tenure, Gotar was a member of the executive board of the national broadcaster, and the approach toward Israel was drastically different. Gotar was also part of the Slovenian Democratic Party, Janša’s political party, known for its strongly pro-Israel stance. During the party’s rule, Slovenia even flew the Israeli flag over the Slovenian parliament during Operation Guardian of the Walls and announced plans to relocate its embassy to Jerusalem.
Gotar expressed disappointment with Slovenia’s current position when responding to a Slovenian Eurovision fan who claimed Slovenia would join the contest in 2026:
“Unfortunately I am no longer a member of the council, so I have no influence anymore. But I don’t think you will be celebrating. I am almost 100% sure that because Israel was not disqualified from the contest, Slovenia will not participate”.
Slovenia at Eurovision 2007
Gotar represented Slovenia at Eurovision 2007 with the song “Cvet z Juga” (in English: Flowers of the South). She finished in 15th place in the grand final with an unforgettable performance that became a cult favorite among Eurovision fans. Gotar is regarded as one of the pioneers of the operatic pop genre in Eurovision – long before the last two winners popularized it.
Slovenia at Eurovision 2025
“How Much Time Do We Have Left” is the title of the song performed by singer Klemen in the first semi-final of Eurovision 2025. Slovenia failed to qualify for the grand final, after two consecutive years of success. The country finished 13th out of 15, earning only 23 points.
Eurovision 2025: This was Slovenia’s 30th participation in Eurovision. Slovenia joined the competition in 1993 and achieved its best result in Eurovision 1995 and Eurovision 2001 after finishing seventh twice.
