RTVSLO Faces Backlash Over Eurovision 2026 Israel Boycott

RTVSLO Faces Backlash Over Eurovision 2026 Israel Boycott

by Ofek Jerassi Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); RTVSLO receives complaints over Eurovision 2026 boycott as Slovenia weighs a possible return to the contest. Slovenia, remembered in recent years as one of Israel's most vocal critics within the Eurovision community, led initiatives calling for a boycott of Israel at Eurovision 2026 and replaced the contest's Grand Final broadcast with a special programme titled "Voices of Palestine". Although the country has since undergone a change in government, the controversy surrounding the boycott of Israel is far from over. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); According to the May report published by the Ombudsman for Viewers and Listeners of the Slovenian national broadcaster RTVSLO, 20 complaints were received regarding the decision to boycott the contest. The majority of those complaints criticized the decision, arguing that Eurovision is first and foremost a cultural and musical event that should remain politically neutral and not be influenced by political developments. Opposition to RTVSLO's decision not to broadcast the contest also included claims that the...
Read More
Political Turnover Could Bring Slovenia Back to Eurovision 2027

Political Turnover Could Bring Slovenia Back to Eurovision 2027

by Ofek Jerassi Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Right-wing Janez Janša’s election victory could reshape RTVSLO Israel policy and pave Slovenia’s way back to Eurovision after the 2026 boycott. Slovenia, remembered in recent years as one of Israel’s most vocal critics within the Eurovision sphere, is now expected to undergo a dramatic political shift. The country led calls to boycott Israel at Eurovision 2026 and even aired a special programming block titled "Voices of Palestine" (Palestine Glasovi) instead of broadcasting the Eurovision shows. However, Slovenia’s hard-left and strongly anti-Israel government has now collapsed, with a new center-right majority emerging under the leadership of Janez Janša, a politician widely known for his pro-Israel positions. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Janša previously served as Slovenia’s Prime Minister and visited Jerusalem, where he described relations between Israel and Slovenia as “a wonderful friendship.” During his election campaign, he repeatedly pledged to reverse Slovenia’s recognition of Palestine as an independent state and relocate the Slovenian embassy to Jerusalem. The Slovene national broadcaster RTVSLO...
Read More
Slovenia’s RTVSLO Chief Sparks Eurovision 2022 Voting Controversy

Slovenia’s RTVSLO Chief Sparks Eurovision 2022 Voting Controversy

by Ofek Jerassi Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); RTVSLO’s Natalija Gorščak comments on Eurovision 2022, Ukraine, and Israel’s Eurovision 2026 participation debate. Natalija Gorščak, head of the Slovenian national broadcaster RTVSLO, who led the move against Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026, recently made a controversial statement claiming: “Ukraine should not have won in 2022, but the United Kingdom.” The remark raises serious questions about voting patterns and perceived fairness in the contest. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Slovenia is one of the countries that led a hardline stance against Israel in Eurovision 2026 and withdrew from the competition following its participation. The Slovenian national broadcaster fully politicized the contest, and its director now complains: “We did not withdraw only because of what is happening in Gaza, but because Eurovision cannot escape politics, even if it claims to do so.” Ukraine as a Case Study in Eurovision Voting Gorščak points to Ukraine as a central example. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Ukraine’s 2022 Eurovision entry was officially classified as non-political...
Read More
Slovenia: Artists Bypass the Boycott on Israel and Head to Eurovision

Slovenia: Artists Bypass the Boycott on Israel and Head to Eurovision

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); A surprising move: Slovenian artists circumvent the boycott on Israel and shake up Eurovision 2026, competing under other European flags. Recently, it was revealed that several Slovenian artists chose to ignore the boycott imposed by the Slovenian national broadcaster on Eurovision 2026. They plan to participate in the contest - but under the flags of other European countries. The move has triggered public uproar in Slovenia and sends a clear message: despite political attempts to silence them, music is stronger than political boycotts. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Slovenian Boycott and Withdrawal from Eurovision Slovenia announced its withdrawal from the competition scheduled to take place in Vienna as part of the boycott against Israel’s participation. The Slovenian national broadcaster RTVSLO claimed the decision followed public pressure, but several Slovenian artists opposed the move imposed upon them and found creative ways to reach the European stage. Eva Marija Represents Slovenia Through Luxembourg The first sign of the boycott’s collapse came last weekend from...
Read More
Alenka Gotar: “Slovenia Is Depriving Artists of Opportunities”

Alenka Gotar: “Slovenia Is Depriving Artists of Opportunities”

by Tal Dahan Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); 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. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); “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...
Read More
Slovenia Withdraws from Eurovision 2026 Over Israel’s Participation

Slovenia Withdraws from Eurovision 2026 Over Israel’s Participation

by Tal Dahan Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Slovenian national broadcaster RTVSLO joins three other countries in withdrawing from Eurovision 2026 following the confirmation of Israel’s participation in the contest. Slovenian national broadcaster RTVSLO joins three other countries - The Netherlands, Spain and Ireland in withdrawing from Eurovision 2026 following the confirmation of Israel’s participation in the contest. The general assembly of the European Broadcasting Union has decided that Israel will participate in Eurovision 2026 after rules changes were overwhelmingly approved, with no vote required on Israel’s participation. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Natalija Gorščak, head of the Slovenian national broadcaster RTVSLO, known for her strong political stance against Israel, told Slovenian media after the meeting: “Slovenia will definitely not take part in Eurovision. It’s certain that Spain, the Netherlands, and Ireland will also not participate. Our message is clear: we will not be part of Eurovision if Israel is there. This is in memory of the 20,000 children killed in Gaza.” Slovenia Leaded Calls for Eurovision Boycott Over Israel Slovenia has been one of the most vocal opponents...
Read More
Natalija Gorščak, Director of RTVSLO: “The Discussion Is Likely to End in Israel’s Favor at Eurovision”

Natalija Gorščak, Director of RTVSLO: “The Discussion Is Likely to End in Israel’s Favor at Eurovision”

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Eurovision 2026: Ahead of the decisive moment, the director of the Slovenian national broadcaster RTVSLO reveals she is convinced the discussion will be decided in Israel’s favor. While representatives of the EBU gather for a dramatic debate on the future of Eurovision, Natalija Gorščak, head of the Slovenian national broadcaster RTVSLO, known for her outspoken political stance against Israel, gave an interview today (Thursday) to the BBC. In that interview, she claimed that, much to her regret, the General Assembly will most likely decide that Israel will participate as usual in Eurovision 2026, which is set to be held in Vienna, Austria. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); A ceasefire had given Eurovision fans in Israel hope that the threat of expulsion would be lifted and that Israel’s path to participate in Eurovision 2026 would be cleared. However, countries such as Slovenia, Spain, the Netherlands and Ireland quickly warned that they would refuse to take part in the contest despite...
Read More
Report: Slovenia Likely to Withdraw from Broadcasting Eurovision 2026

Report: Slovenia Likely to Withdraw from Broadcasting Eurovision 2026

by Neta Geffen Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Amid boycott threats over Israel’s participation, Slovenia’s draft annual programming plan suggests its national broadcaster RTVSLO will not broadcast or compete in Eurovision 2026 in Vienna. Is Slovenia leaving for good? Although no official announcement has been made, signs indicate that Slovenia will neither broadcast nor participate in Eurovision 2026 in Vienna. A draft of the annual Production and Programming Plan (PPN) shows that Slovenia’s national broadcaster RTV SLO does not intend to air the Contest. If approved by the broadcaster’s council on November 26th, Slovenia’s withdrawal from Eurovision 2026 will become final. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); What’s Behind the Decision? The draft outlines two main reasons for opting out of participation and coverage: First, RTVSLO declares 2026 as a "Year of Sports", explaining that large-scale events such as the Winter Olympics in Italy and the FIFA World Cup require significant resource allocation. Consequently, the network plans to reduce entertainment programming, making Eurovision participation financially and logistically unfeasible. In addition to budgetary...
Read More
Boiling Point: Slovenia Will Support Israel’s Expulsion from Eurovision Despite Ceasefire

Boiling Point: Slovenia Will Support Israel’s Expulsion from Eurovision Despite Ceasefire

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Following progress toward ending the Gaza war, the head of the Slovenian national broadcaster RTVSLO, said that the ceasefire does not mean Israel should take part in the competition. In light of the ceasefire and the EBU's announcement that the vote regarding Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 - originally scheduled for November - has been canceled and will instead be held during the pre-scheduled General Assembly on December 4th, the head of the Slovenian national broadcaster RTVSLO, Natalija Gorščak, notorious for her political stance against Israel, stated that despite the ceasefire, it would be better if Israel did not participate in this year’s competition, which will take place in Vienna, Austria. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The ceasefire initially gave hope among Israeli Eurovision fans that the threat of expulsion would be lifted and that Israel’s path to Eurovision 2026 would be secured. However, Slovenia has now joined the Netherlands, declaring that the EBU must expel Israel from the competition despite the...
Read More
Slovenia Escalates: If Israel Participates In Eurovision 2026 – We’re Out

Slovenia Escalates: If Israel Participates In Eurovision 2026 – We’re Out

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); With another furing declaration: Slovenia, which had already threatened to withdraw if Israel participates, has now officially turned it into a condition – if Israel is in, Slovenia is out. The Slovenian national broadcaster RTVSLO announced this morning (Saturday) that if Israel competes in Eurovision 2026, Slovenia will withdraw entirely. Led by director general Ksenija Horvat, the broadcaster has been one of the most prominent voices in Europe pushing anti-Israeli positions. In the past, its rhetoric has even bordered on antisemitism - an approach that resurfaces once again here. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); “Israel Conflicts with the Values of the Contest” As early as July, during a conference in London, representatives of the Slovenian national broadcaster declared: “If Israel participates in the Eurovision Song Contest – due to the genocide in Gaza’– Slovenia will not take part in the event”. The broadcaster’s official statement today has now made that position binding. This reflects the broadcaster’s consistent policy. Already back in 2024, its...
Read More