The Director-General of RTVE, José Pablo López, has confirmed that Spain’s position on Israeli participation in Eurovision will remain the same. He also gave Spain’s official position on the voting reform proposed by the EBU.
“What we asked then is what we are asking for now” – José
Speaking at a meeting before the Parliamentary Committee, José explained that nothing has changed with Spain’s position. José also hit out at the voting reform proposals, saying the EBU could not guarantee there could be foul play. He said:
We hold the same opinion […] that Israel’s presence was unsustainable — firstly, for the genocide. Eurovision is a contest, but human rights are not. I also want to raise the systematic violations of the contest’s rules by Israel. Israel consistently uses the contest politically, without receiving any sanctions in the two years that I have led our broadcaster.
I want to highlight the letter sent today to us by the [EBU] Director Noel Curran, where he thanked RTVE for our pressure that led to changes in the voting systems. But […] these measures are not enough. Nor do they guarantee that voting manipulations can’t re-occur.
The EBU knows that these measures are an improvement, but not enough, and more importantly they do not sanction Israel. We need more measures, and this is what we will raise at the General Assembly. What we asked for months ago is the same that we ask for now.
Spain has confirmed that it will withdraw from Eurovision should Israel be allowed to compete. RTVE has added that Benidorm Fest will go ahead regardless of the decision, with the winner receiving extra finances to promote their music. The decision will be made by the end of the week.
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: RTVE
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