The head of Spain’s public broadcaster has said he will propose that the country remains out of the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027 over Israel\u2019s participation.<\/p>\n
Jos\u00e9 Pablo L\u00f3pez, president of RTVE, told a parliamentary committee on Tuesday that it was “deeply painful” that Israeli public broadcaster KAN would continue to take part in Eurovision given the situation in Gaza.<\/p>\n
Spain was one of five countries, alongside Ireland, Iceland, the Netherlands and Slovenia, which did not participate in this year\u2019s contest in Vienna following controversy over Israel\u2019s participation.<\/p>\n
L\u00f3pez said changes made by Eurovision organisers since then represented “technical progress”, but added that there was still “unfinished business on the ethical front”.<\/p>\n
“For this reason, I announce that I will propose to the RTVE board that we maintain the suspension of our participation in Eurovision,” he said.<\/p>\n
The proposal would have to be approved by RTVE\u2019s board before Spain\u2019s position for the 2027 contest is confirmed.<\/p>\n
Responding to L\u00f3pez\u2019s comments, Eurovision Song Contest director Martin Green said organisers would await the board\u2019s final decision.<\/p>\n
“We respect RTVE\u2019s process and will await their Board\u2019s final decision,” he said.<\/p>\n
Green said Eurovision had made “significant changes” over the past year after listening to concerns raised by its members.<\/p>\n
These included stronger safeguards against undue external influence and promotion, tighter voting limits, the return of professional juries to the semi-finals and changes aimed at ensuring the contest can be hosted safely and securely.<\/p>\n
“We regret that, despite these changes, a recommendation will be made that RTVE does not take part in the Contest next year,” Green said.<\/p>\n
He added that RTVE had been part of Eurovision since 1961 and said organisers would be “disappointed not to have Spain join us in Bulgaria”.<\/p>\n