After intense speculation on whether Monaco will be taking part in Eurovision 2024, the micronation’s new broadcaster, TVMonaco, has ruled out returning to the Contest.
Monaco says no
Confirming their non-participation with ESCToday, the country’s newest station is not interested in participating in Eurovision 2024. This may be perhaps in order to consolidate their reputation and stature in the country before opting to compete in future editions.
In any case, this will come as a blow to fans who had been hoping that Monaco would return in 2024. TVMonaco is the television branch of the Monaco Media Diffusion (MMD) company, which is an EBU member. As a result, MMD is in charge of the station’s finances. Therefore, despite the Monégasque government earmarking €100,000 for Eurovision participation in 2023, MMD has ruled out returning for the time being.
MMD has been contacted by That Eurovision Site for clarification on their non-participation. This article will be updated once we hear back from them.
Monaco’s Eurovision journey
Monaco was one of the first participants in the Eurovision Song Contest, making their debut in 1959. The first Monégasque song to take part was Jacques Pills’ “Mon ami Pierrot”. Despite finishing in last place, with one point, Monaco took part in every edition until 1979. Monaco was able to win the Contest once in 1971, with Severine’s “Un banc, un arbre, une rue”. However, due to the country’s small size, Monaco did not have the capacity to host the show, instead being held in Edinburgh.
Following their withdrawal in 1980, Monaco returned to the Contest in 2004, where they failed to qualify for the final in three consecutive occasions. Their most recent entry was in 2006, with Sevérine Ferrer’s “La Coco-Dance”. At the close of voting, Monaco finished in 21st place in a field of 23 with 14 points.
What do you make of Monaco’s non-participation? Do you think we will ever get the micronation back into the Contest? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Tiktok as we look ahead to Eurovision 2024!
News Source: ESCToday
Photo Credit: Trabantos / The Telegraph
