RTV SLO – the public broadcaster in Slovenia – reiterates its calls to exclude Israel from Eurovision. It comes amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the Contest in the wake of Basel.
RTV SLO reiterates calls from other broadcasters
Following on from the Contest in Basel, which ended on Saturday (May 17th), RTV SLO gave further information on the show in Slovenia. During the first semi-final, 144,000 people watched as Klemen failed to qualify for the show. The second semi-final saw just 49,000 viewers watch the show. Meanwhile, the final was watched by over 150,000 viewers, taking a 34% share of the market.
However, at the bottom of the press release, RTV SLO reiterated its calls to exclude Israel from the Contest. They also joined calls for a clear and transparent breakdown of the televote in the statement. The broadcaster said:
RTV SLO still insists on last year’s and this year’s call to the European Broadcasting Union to reconsider the member countries performing at the event. RTV SLO also intends to address questions to the EBU regarding this year’s event.
Before Klemen went to Basel, RTV SLO Director-General Ksenija Horvat doubled down on their calls for a discussion on Israeli participation. She explained:
I stand firm on the appeal that I addressed to the EBU last year on behalf of RTV SLO. I called and I call again for clarification on why some are more equal than others.
Of course, I am talking about the unequal treatment of Russia and Israel. And about the fact that EBU member states should have the opportunity to transparently co-decision on all essential issues, including the possible exclusion of Israel.
Last year, I did not receive an answer that would convince me.
Horvat added that other broadcasters had shared concerns following the debacle from Malmö, including Spain’s RTVE. The Spanish broadcaster is now embroiled in a debate with the EBU about its coverage of the Contest in Basel, with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stepping into the conversation.
It comes as several broadcasters have called for transparency on the voting process of the competition. The EBU has responded, saying it is ready to have a “broad discussion” surrounding concerns – including Israeli participation.
Slovenia’s Eurovision journey
In 1993, Slovenia made its debut in the Eurovision Song Contest with 1X Band and the song “Tih deževen dan”, which placed 22nd. Since their debut, they have participated 28 times – of which, 16 were where they qualified for the Grand Final.
Slovenia’s recent Eurovision participation saw them being represented by Klemen, who sang “How Much Time Do We Have Left”. Performing at the first semi-final, Klemen failed to qualify, placing thirteenth with 23 points from the televote.
What do you make of the calls from RTV SLO? Will the EBU listen to Slovenia’s appeals? As always, please let us know what you think by getting involved in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Threads, tumblr, and Bluesky for more information about Eurovision 2026!
News Source: RTV SLO
Photo Credit: Sarah Louise Bennett / EBU
Giwrgos Oiko