As countries continue their discussions surrounding participation at Eurovision 2026, Poland’s culture minister has expressed her opinion, saying TVP should withdraw from the Contest.
Culture minister hopes for apolitical event
Speaking in an interview with Polish radio station TOK FM, Marta Cienkowska admitted she would like Eurovision to remain as apolitical as possible. However, she insisted that – given the cirumstances surrounding Israeli participation – it would be better that Israel was not there.
Explaining her personal position, she said:
I would really like Eurovision and Poland’s participation not to be a political event. I’ll share my personal opinion: I believe we shouldn’t participate in Eurovision if Israel is there.
TVP has said it is following the discussions being held by EBU members closely, and that it would “remain in dialogue” with the EBU while opinions are being gathered ahead of the vote on Israeli participation in November.
Polish Eurovision media back calls for boycott
The calls from the culture minister come amid calls for a boycott from TVP by Polish Eurovision media. Websites including Eurowizja.org, Dobry Wieczór Europo and Dziennik Eurowizyjny released a joint statement saying they want Poland to withdraw should Israel be allowed to participate.
They explained at the end of their statement:
We understand the difficult situation TVP and other public broadcasters are currently facing. As representatives of the Eurovision media and the Contest’s broad fan base, we will support TVP should it decide to withdraw from the Contst if KAN participates.
At the same time, we count on a clear stance from TVP. We declare our openness to dialogue, continued cooperation, assistance and support, especially during this difficult time.
Poland’s Eurovision journey
In 1994, Poland made their debut at the Eurovision Song Contest represented by Edyta Górniak with the song “To nie ja!” and placed 2nd, Poland’s best result at the contest to date. Since then, Poland has participated 26 times, qualifying for the Grand Final 16 times.
Poland selected Justyna Steczkowska to represent the national at Eurovision 2025 with “GAJA”, thirty years after her first participation. She qualified for the final, ultimately finishing in 14th place with 156 points. Of these, 17 came from the jury, while the remaining 139 came from the televote.
What do you think of the comments from the Polish culture minister? Do you think Poland will withdraw? 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: Pudelek / Eurowizja.org
Photo Credit: PAP / Leszek Szymański
Giwrgos Oiko