Ireland, the Netherlands, Iceland, Slovenia and Spain have decided not to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest if Israel maintains its candidacy. Germany, on the other hand, has placed itself directly on the opposite side after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has assured that his country could not participate in the competition if Israel is banned.
The German politician has described as a “scandal” the position of the countries that oppose Israel’s participation, ensuring that the country that is currently committing genocide in Gaza “has to be there.” When asked about the possibility of resignation if Israel is expelled, Merz indicated that “I would support it.”
The statements were made this Sunday on the public channel ARD, a month before the vote that will determine what happens in the contest. In this way, and for the moment, there would be a ‘Big Five’ country on each side of the decision. On the other hand, the KAN of Israel has launched the preselection to elect its representative, so they hope to be in Vienna next May.
