Pro-Palestinian groups in Malta announce a national protest urging withdrawal from Eurovision 2026 over Israel’s participation, intensifying political pressure on the contest.
It emerged today for the first time that a pro-Palestinian campaign in Malta has announced a nationwide demonstration against Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026, calling on the Maltese government to lead a withdrawal from the contest as long as Israel remains a participant. This marks another forceful and controversial move that once again places Eurovision 2026 at the center of political turmoil, with a direct challenge to the legitimacy of Israel’s participation in the competition.
The demonstration is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 21 February, at 16:00 local time, in front of the Parliament building in Valletta, carrying a sharp and unequivocal message: “No music during genocide.”
Call for Withdrawal from Eurovision 2026 and Severe Accusations Against Israel
The protest organizers are demanding that Malta withdraw from the competition as long as Israel continues to
participate, using extreme accusations against the Israeli state. According to the campaign’s statement, Israel is “using the cultural platform of Eurovision to whitewash its crimes,” a claim that has been repeatedly voiced in recent years by pro-Palestinian groups across Europe.
The campaign argues that Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest contradicts “human rights values” and seeks to draw comparisons between Israel and countries previously excluded from the competition a comparison that has sparked anger and sharp criticism in Israel and beyond.
“Israel’s conduct constitutes a threat to all of humanity,” warn the protest organizers, who claim that “genocide” in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of more than 70,000 Palestinians. “This genocide follows decades of illegal occupation, apartheid policies, settlement expansion, and mass displacement of Palestinians.” The organizers further accuse Israel of now extending its “colonial occupation” into Lebanon and Syria.
Officials, Organizations, and Artists: Who Is Behind the Protest?
According to the organizers, a range of organizations and public figures have joined the demonstration, including:
• Former President of Malta: Marie Louise Coleiro Preca
• LGBTQ+ rights organization MGRM
• Local human rights organizations
• A cultural workers’ trade union
• Dozens of artists: musicians, actors, writers, and producers
The initiators describe the action as a “broad protest by the cultural sector.” In Israel, however, it is viewed as another attempt to exert political pressure through music specifically targeting one of the few global stages that has long promoted the slogan “United By Music.”
Malta in Eurovision 2026
“Bella” (in English: “Beautiful”) is the song that will be performed by Aidan, who will represent Malta in the second semi-final on 14 May in Vienna, Austria. The song was written by Aidan together with Joep Van Den Boom and Sarah Bonnici. Bonnici previously represented Malta as a singer and songwriter at Eurovision 2024 with the song “Loop”, which finished last in its semi-final.
“Bella” is a 1960s-inspired ballad centered on love and longing for someone from the past. The song explores a love that was interrupted but never extinguished: the singer addresses a former lover, recalls an unexpected separation and the lingering pain, and expresses hope for reconnection and emotional alignment between their worlds. It portrays yearning, persistent waiting, and the belief that despite the passage of time the bond still exists and deserves another chance. The atmosphere evokes summer, the sea, and tenderness, alongside vulnerability and an acknowledgment of pain and loss. The song blends English, Italian, and Maltese the languages characteristic of the Mediterranean island and includes references to Maltese figures and motifs.
At present, Malta is ranked 13th in the betting odds ahead of Eurovision 2026.
Aidan – Who Are You?
Aidan, 27, is considered one of the dominant forces in Malta’s music charts, with an impressive record of 15 singles reaching number one. Known for his energetic and engaging live performances, he has performed on Malta’s biggest stages — including the country’s official New Year’s Eve celebrations, in front of more than 50,000 people.
In both 2024 and 2025, Aidan achieved major milestones in his career, headlining his own solo show at the MFCC Conference Centre — Malta’s largest indoor venue. His production, “AIDAN THE SHOW”, became a sold‑out sensation, moving over 10,000 enthusiastic fans and cementing his status as one of the pillars of Maltese music.
He previously competed in the Maltese national selection in 2018 with the song “Dai Laga”, placing fourth, tried again in 2022 with the song “Ritmu”, finishing second, and returned in 2023 — but was disqualified after the quarter‑final stage due to a rules violation.
Eurovision 2026: This will be Malta’s 38th participation in Eurovision. Malta joined the competition in 1971 and achieved its best result in Eurovision 2002 and Eurovision 2005 after finishing second twice.
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A writer and content creator with a strong specialization in the Eurovision scene, particularly across Eastern Europe and post-Soviet countries. His work highlights the artistry, storytelling, and cultural variety that define the contest, offering readers a deeper look into both established performers and emerging voices.
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