Spain’s public broadcaster RTVE is reported to be considering a motion asking for Israel to be removed from Eurovision 2025. It comes as preparations are already underway for this year’s Contest in Basel.
RTVE responds to “request from civil society”
In response to a question from a politician, RTVE President José Pablo López addressed Israel’s participation at Eurovision. The broadcaster was asked about what precautions would be taken to remove Israel from the Contest. This was down to the “request from civil society” to the EBU asking for KAN to be banned from the show.
Responding to the question, López said the question would be raised to the Board of Directors at their next meeting. In his answer, he said that it was imperative for all directors to adopt a unanimous position on Israel’s role in the show. He added that should a formal public statement be required, RTVE would provide one.
However, López added that Israeli broadcaster KAN was facing its own issues which could risk their exclusion both from Eurovision and the EBU. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has already initiated the protocol for KAN’s privatisation. Should the deal go through, it would thus make KAN illegible for Eurovision participation, as it would not be a public broadcaster. He also repeated that no other EBU members publicly called for Israel’s expulsion following the Contest in Malmö.
The story of Eurovision 2025 so far
Switzerland will be hosting the 69th edition of the competition following Nemo’s historic win at Eurovision 2024 in Malmö. A few weeks after their win, Reto Peritz, and Moritz Stadler, was announced as the Executive Producers, with the other roles revealed in July 2024.
Basel, Bern & Biel/Bienne, Geneva, and Zurich submitted bids to host next year’s competition, with Basel and Geneva being shortlisted as the final two cities. After the shortlist, it was revealed that Basel will host Eurovision 2025, at St. Jakobshalle with the shows taking place on May 13, 15 and 17.
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News Source: Publico.es
Photo Credit: RTVE
Rory Gannon 
Giwrgos Oiko