Eurovision 2007 representative ,Alenka Gotar, accuses Slovenia’s elite of exploiting artists after Luxembourg chooses a Slovenian for Eurovision
As preparations continue for Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, Slovenia finds itself at the center of controversy. Alenka Gotar, a well-known name among Eurovision fans who represented Slovenia in 2007, has broken her silence. In a strong social media post, Gotar criticized Slovenia’s national broadcaster’s decision to withdraw from this year’s contest due to Israel’s participation. Her comments came after the success of Eva Marija — a singer of Slovenian descent who was chosen to represent Luxembourg instead at the upcoming competition.
“Artists Were Deprived of Their Potential”
Posting on Facebook after Eva Marija’s victory at Luxembourg’s national selection, Gotar regretted that Slovenian artists must look abroad for opportunities. “It’s a shame Slovenians have to seek their chance elsewhere,” she wrote. “Our country, due to the political interests of certain elites, has deprived artists of any chance to show their potential.”
Hypocrisy Allegations Over Israel Boycott
Gotar went on to accuse Slovenian decision-makers of double standards in their stance toward Israel, suggesting their motives were insincere. “If they were truly honest in their political views,” she argued, “they would have also withdrawn Slovenian athletes from the Olympic Games because of Israel.”
According to Gotar, the reason that sports are not being boycotted is purely financial and reputational: “Sports bring far more money and give those same political players better promotion opportunities.”
Support for Luxembourg’s Slovenian Representative
Though deeply critical of the establishment, Gotar ended her post with warm encouragement for the young artist: “Good luck to Eva Marija from the bottom of my heart!”
Her remarks have sparked broad public debate in Slovenia, highlighting the consequences artists face when caught in politically motivated controversies involving Israel. The national broadcaster RTVSLO now faces renewed scrutiny regarding its Eurovision withdrawal.
“Mother Nature” is the title of the song that will be performed by Eva Marija, who will represent Luxembourg at Eurovision 2026, to be held in Vienna, Austria, in the second semi-final on May 14, after winning Luxembourg’s national final “Luxembourg Song Contest 2026,” defeating seven other contestants.
Alenka Gotar – Who Are You?
Gotar represented Slovenia at Eurovision 2007 with the song “Cvet z Juga” (in English: “Flower of the South”), placing 15th in the Grand Final. Her dramatic performance became a cult favorite among Eurovision fans and marked her as one of the early pioneers of operatic pop – years before the genre’s recent winners popularized it again.
She was also a member of the Slovenian Democratic Party, led by Janez Janša. Shortly before Slovenia’s withdrawal from Eurovision due to Israel’s participation, Gotar commented with disappointment: “Unfortunately, I am no longer part of the broadcaster’s council, so I have no influence. But I’m almost 100% sure that since Israel was not expelled from the competition, Slovenia will not take part.”
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.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +972-50-9441919
Tal Dahan – Journalist, radio broadcaster, and Eurovision content creator.
Tal Dahan is an Israeli journalist and editor specializing in the Eurovision Song Contest, working with the EuroMix editorial team for four years. Since 2022, she has provided regular on-site coverage of Eurovision from the host city, and from 2023 has also reported directly from the press room—offering the Israeli audience live updates, exclusive interviews, and in-depth commentary.
Tal is a member of the Eurovision tribute and parody band “EuroFalsh,” a radio broadcaster, and a student of political science and communications.
She is considered one of Israel’s leading young Eurovision experts. In addition to covering the main contest, Tal has reported from Eurovision pre-parties and national selection events across Europe (in Thessaloniki, Stockholm, Madrid, and more), been interviewed by major media outlets in Israel and internationally, and presented Eurovision-themed podcasts and radio shows.
