Spanish PM Calls for Israel's Removal from Eurovision Amid Gaza Conflict

Mon Jun 16 2025 14:59:51 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
Spanish PM Calls for Israel's Removal from Eurovision Amid Gaza Conflict

Pedro Sánchez demands Israel be banned from the Eurovision Song Contest, citing a need for consistency in international responses to military actions.


In a controversial statement, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called for Israel to be excluded from the Eurovision Song Contest following its military actions in Gaza. He argued that there should be no "double standards" in responses to international conflicts, referencing the ban on Russia due to its invasion of Ukraine. Israel, which recently secured second place in the contest, faced criticism and a formal reprimand from Spain over Sánchez's remarks.


Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has made headlines by requesting that Israel be banned from the Eurovision Song Contest due to its military actions in Gaza. His comments follow the recent Eurovision grand final, where Israeli artist Yuval Raphael secured second place with her song, "New Day Will Rise." Highlighting a perceived inconsistency, Sánchez pointed to Russia's ban from Eurovision since 2022 after its invasion of Ukraine, emphasizing that cultural responses should be uniform.

During a press conference in Madrid, Sánchez stated, "Nobody was up in arms when the Russian invasion of Ukraine began three years ago and [Russia] had to leave international competitions and could not take part, as we have just seen, in Eurovision." He continued, "Therefore, Israel shouldn't either, because what we cannot allow is double standards in culture."

Sánchez also voiced support for the Palestinian people, affirming that they are enduring "the injustice of war and bombardment." His administration, which officially recognized Palestine as a state last year, has been outspoken in its criticism of Israel's actions. Notably, Sánchez previously described Israel as a "genocidal state," leading to a formal diplomatic reprimand for his remarks from the Israeli foreign ministry.

During the Eurovision voting, Spanish viewers awarded Israel the maximum 12 points for its performance, prompting the Israeli minister for diaspora affairs, Amichai Chikli, to mock Sánchez, suggesting the voting outcome was a clear "slap in the face" to the Prime Minister. In response to the controversy, Spain’s broadcast network RTVE has called for an audit of the voting process, stating concerns over the integrity of the results.

Despite the ongoing tensions, Spain's official entry in the contest, "Esa Diva" by Melody, ended in 24th place, overshadowed by the political storm surrounding the event. As the debate over cultural participation and geopolitical issues continues, the implications of Sánchez's request may resonate beyond Eurovision, potentially affecting Spain's relations with Israel and its stance in the broader international community.

MORE ON THEME

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 11:15:00 GMT

Stranded Abroad: Israeli Travelers Face Uncertain Future Following Iran Attack

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 11:15:00 GMT
Mon, 16 Jun 2025 11:09:35 GMT

France's Dilemma: Macron's Push for Palestinian Statehood Amid Conflict

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 11:09:35 GMT
Mon, 16 Jun 2025 11:07:29 GMT

Intense Israel-Iran Conflict Escalates: Casualties Rise on Both Sides

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 11:07:29 GMT
Mon, 16 Jun 2025 10:30:41 GMT

Escalation in the Israel-Iran Conflict: A Standoff Without Immediate Resolution

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 10:30:41 GMT
Mon, 16 Jun 2025 09:52:08 GMT

Satellite Images Uncover Damage to Iran's Nuclear Facilities Amid Ongoing Strikes

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 09:52:08 GMT
Mon, 16 Jun 2025 09:49:06 GMT

**Russian Soldier on Trial for Battlefield Execution of Ukrainian Comrade**

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 09:49:06 GMT
Mon, 16 Jun 2025 09:30:49 GMT

French President Macron's Determination to Recognize Palestinian State Intensifies

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 09:30:49 GMT
Mon, 16 Jun 2025 08:57:49 GMT

### Escalating Tensions: Israel Strikes Iranian Military Command as Hostilities Intensify

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 08:57:49 GMT
Mon, 16 Jun 2025 07:51:25 GMT

**Escalation in Israel-Iran Conflict: Overnight Strikes Claim Lives**

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 07:51:25 GMT
Mon, 16 Jun 2025 05:12:24 GMT

Israel-Iran Conflict Escalates: Day Four of Strikes and Retaliation

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 05:12:24 GMT
Sun, 15 Jun 2025 23:19:59 GMT

Trump's Return to G7: Tensions with Allies Worsen Amid Trade War

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 23:19:59 GMT
Sun, 15 Jun 2025 21:45:08 GMT

**Escalation in Israel-Iran Conflict: Attacks Intensify Amid Desperate Tensions**

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 21:45:08 GMT
Sun, 15 Jun 2025 21:42:49 GMT

### Escalating Conflict: Israel and Iran Engage in Intense Exchanges Amid Global Concerns

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 21:42:49 GMT
Sun, 15 Jun 2025 21:07:47 GMT

Escalation of Tensions: Israel and Iran Launch Missile Attacks Amid Diplomatic Stalemate**

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 21:07:47 GMT
Sun, 15 Jun 2025 20:33:35 GMT

Israel Achieves Air Superiority Over Iran Amid Ongoing Strikes

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 20:33:35 GMT
Sun, 15 Jun 2025 20:32:17 GMT

Escalating Tensions: Israel and Iran Intensify Military Strikes

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 20:32:17 GMT
Sun, 15 Jun 2025 18:56:26 GMT

### Israel Intensifies Attacks on Tehran Amid Escalating Conflict

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 18:56:26 GMT
Sun, 15 Jun 2025 17:15:42 GMT

### Intense Israel-Iran Conflict Sparks Fear and Heartbreak in the U.S.

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 17:15:42 GMT
Sun, 15 Jun 2025 16:11:48 GMT

Iranian Citizens Face Uncertain Future Amid Ongoing Conflict with Israel**

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 16:11:48 GMT
Sun, 15 Jun 2025 15:03:27 GMT

**Escalating Tensions: Iranian Missile Attacks Impact Central Israel**

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 15:03:27 GMT

Follow us

© 2024 SwissX REDD UK ltd. All Rights Reserved.