José Pablo López, president of Spain’s public broadcaster RTVE, has strongly condemned the European Broadcasting Union for allowing Israel’s continued participation in Eurovision.
What he said
López argued that the festival carries an immense political weight and that RTVE could withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel remains part of the contest. Also, criticised the leadership of the EBU for what he called their failures to take responsibility. He said that RTVE has already proposed alternatives to avoid Spain’s withdrawal, but no action has been deemed appropriate. He also described the decisions of some EBU executives as lacking accountability. The statement underscores that RTVE sees Israel’s participation not just as a broadcast matter but as a moral and political question.
One of his pointed remarks was:
“I sincerely believe that the damage the current EBU leadership is doing to the festival is immense, and that we will only be able to fully appreciate it once the conflict and genocide in Gaza are over.”
He called on the EBU to take a stand “before we reach the point of unbearable tension due to decisions made by directors who have not assumed their responsibilities.
Benidorm Fest will go on
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Eurovision, the president of RTVE has confirmed that Benidorm Fest 2026 will go ahead as planned. “Of course not. The Benidorm Fest will have its best edition yet. An edition we have been preparing for several months now, and which will be held as always in the city of Benidorm at the end of January and beginning of February,” he said.
López also explained that the selection process is proceeding as normal and expressed his hope that the contest’s winner will still be able to represent Spain in Vienna.
A general pressure
Belgium, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Iceland might withdraw in case of an Israeli participation. Even former NRK employees urge a boycott of Eurovision 2026, and it’s unknown if the list will grow further.
The EBU General Assembly, scheduled for 4-5 December in Geneva, is expected to address these and other concerns regarding country participation. Any formal policy change or decision would likely be discussed and possibly voted on there.
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.
Do you agree with José Pablo López? Is the contest facing trouble? 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: escplus.es
Photo Credit: Alma Bengtsson/EBU
Euan T