Spain’s public broadcaster RTVE confirmed it will not air the contest on Spanish television if it doesn’t participate.
RTVE’s decision
According to RTVE, the broadcaster’s Board of Directors voted to withdraw Spain from next year’s Contest in Vienna should Israel be allowed to participate. The proposal was put forward by RTVE president José Pablo López and passed with an absolute majority: ten votes in favour, four against, and one abstention.
This makes Spain the fifth country to issue such an ultimatum, joining Ireland, Slovenia, Iceland and the Netherlands.
RTVE’s official statement
RTVE shared the following message on social media after the decision:
“Spain will withdraw from Eurovision if Israel remains in the contest.
The Corporation’s Board of Directors made this decision on Tuesday by an absolute majority of its members.”
Spain’s Eurovision journey
Spain debuted at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1961 with Conchita Bautista’s “Estando Contigo”. The country earned its first win in 1968 with Massiel’s “La La La”, and won again in 1969 with Salome’s “Vivo Cantando” in an infamous four-way tie. Although they have yet to win again, Spain earned several 2nd place finishes, most famously with Mocedades’ “Eres tu” in 1973 and Anabel Conde’s “Vuelve conmigo” in 1996.
In 2025, Spain selected Melody. As part of the Big 5, she did not need to qualify for the Grand Final from the semi-finals. At the close of voting, her song “Esa Diva” finished 24th, with a total of 37 points. Of these, 27 points came from the jury, whilst 10 came from the televote.
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News Source: RTVE
Photo Credit: Sarah Louise Bennett / EBU
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