LRT, Lithuania’s public service broadcaster, has responded to a petition demanding the country’s withdrawal from the Eurovision Song Contest.
Petition of withdrawal
The petition is sponsored by right wing populist MEP Petras Gražulis, and centres around the cost of the contest, in addition to his hostility to the prominance of LGBT persons in the contest. It is important to note that the People and Justice Union is only represented by Gražulis in the European parliament; severely limiting the impact of of any desire to withdraw. The petition is the latest in a series of demands for withdrawal from numerous countries; including Lithuania’s neighbour to the north.
LRT’s response
Lithuania’s LRT we’re quick to respond citing primarily that the decision to participate on not lies only with them as a broadcaster of the contest. In addition, they cite the great popularity of the contest in Lithuania, with the final of the most recent edition garnering just shy of 900,000 viewers, as well as the popular social media campaigns run in the country to support Lithuanian entrants.
Lithuania’s Eurovision Journey
The Baltic nation made its debut at the Eurovision Song contest in 1994, where Ovidijus Vyšniauskas represented them with the song “Lopšinė mylimai”, which placed 25th. Since then, Lithuania has participated 22 times and made the Grand Final 15 times. LT United gave Lithuania their best ever Eurovision result back in 2006, where the country placed 6th.
In 2024, Silvester Belt represented Lithuania, participating with the song “Luktelk”. Performing in the first semi-final, Silvester qualified for the final in fourth place. In the Grand Final, Lithuania finished in 14th place overall, with 90 points – 32 points came from the juries, with another 58 points from the televote.
What do you think of LRT’s response? Do you want to see them at Eurovision next year? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads and Bluesky as we start our preparations for Eurovision 2025!
News Source: Delfi
Photo Credit: Sarah Louise Bennett / EBU
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