Political debates: ESC 2025 with controversial Israel appearance!

Political debates: ESC 2025 with controversial Israel appearance!

The Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) 2025, which takes place in May in the Basel St. Jakobshalle in May, is characterized by political controversy. The participation of Israel again ensures heated debates among the member countries. 24-year-old Yuval Raphael, survivor of the Hamas massacre on October 7, 2023, is represented Israel and thus highlights the complex challenges that accompany the competition. vienna.at reports that the ESC is again raising many political questions this year.

In the run -up to the ESC, the Spanish broadcaster RTVE called for a discussion about the participation of Israel. The background is the persistently critical military location in the Gaza Strip. RTVE has sent a letter to the European Radio Union (EBU) in which it is asked whether an unreserved participation is justifiable under the current circumstances. This shows that the ESC is increasingly being used as a platform for political disputes, even if the organizers emphasize that the competition is apolitical. According to swp.de , however, EBU remains in its position, including Israel.

political tensions and participants

Although the ESC is considered a cultural event, numerous political issues overlap this year. There are demands for a review of Israeli participation not only in Spain, but also in Finland. Several petitions were collected in Finland, which have compiled over 10,000 signatures for the exclusion of Israel. Slovenia also spoke out on this matter, which illustrates the challenges of the competition, which is bound to the geopolitical realities of the participant countries. yle.fi addressed that a comparable case like the exclusion of Russia in 2022 is expected due to the invasion of Ukraine.

The ESC officially begins on May 11 with a large opening ceremony, at which 37 country delegations drive to the trade fair center in classic car trams. The longest “Turquoise Carpet” in ESC history is also planned, and all 6,500 tickets per show are already sold out. Austria is represented by the candidate JJ and his song "Wasted Love", who is currently in second place on the betting odds. Germany is sent to the race by the sibling duo Abor & Tynna, while Sweden is represented by the band Kaj with "Bara Bada Bastu".

the look into the future

The controversial participation of Israel stirs up fears about the security of all participants and spectators during the competition. EBU emphasizes its responsibility, which is ultimately embedded in the background of the current political situation in the region. The possibility that the ESC will return to the home of a future winner country remains uncertain, especially when Israel reaches a high position. Celine Dion, who has shown interest in participation, is also fighting against Stiff-Person-Syndrome, which could affect her presence.

The motto of the ESC 2025, "United by Music" and the Tagline "Welcome Home" try to emphasize the connecting power of music, even in a year in which political tensions dominate. With a top -class moderation trio around Sandra Studer, Michelle Hunziker and Hazel Brugger, the competition in Basel will open another chapter in the long history of the Eurovision Song Contest.