– I think this is political at the highest level. And that can put everything else about this year’s competition in the shade. Anders Tangen talks about what could be a major political battle in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. Palestinian Bashar Murad may end up representing Iceland in the world’s biggest and most controversial music competition. He has been selected as one of the participants in their national final, and is the clear favorite to win. Murad has previously collaborated with the Icelandic group Hatari, and Tangen believes it is no coincidence that the Palestinian artist is involved. – I doubt whether they would do this without the political backdrop now. I see it as a political decision, a pretty clear choice. EXPERT: Anders Tangen believes it will be a minefield if both Israel and a Palestinian want to participate in Eurovision. Photo: Mette Ballovara Possible victory battle between Palestinians and Israel Israel is also registered for this year’s competition, although it arouses strong reactions that they appear to be allowed to participate. And there could actually be a duel between the two sides in the Israel conflict in the international final. – Because of the Palestinian participant, Iceland is one of the odds favorites to win. There is also Israel, since they too have their followers. So we can have a victory match between Israel and a Palestinian artist. It is totally absurd, and becomes a minefield. Also president of the Norwegian MGP club, Morten Thomassen, says this could affect this year’s competition. – It will be very special, and that is clear, he will be able to get a lot of sympathy around the world if he stands up for Iceland. Maybe we can get a situation like in 2022, when Ukraine won because of many sympathy votes. FAVORITE: Bashar Murad is the favorite to win the Icelandic final on 2 March. It will make big headlines if he and Israel compete against each other. Photo: Reuters – Obviously created reactions Broadcasting manager in Iceland, Stefán Eiríksson admits that it gets a lot of attention that they have a Palestinian participant. – It has obviously created reactions and interest. But it is not the first time that we have a participant in the final who is not Icelandic. BROADCASTING MANAGER: Stefán Eiríksson says this year’s national competition is getting a lot of attention, because of the Palestinian contestant. Photo: press image / RUV He also points out that there are many in the country who advocate that Iceland should withdraw, if Israel is allowed to participate. Over 10,000 people have signed a petition stating that Iceland should not take part in Eurovision if Israel takes part. – The citizens here in Iceland are very engaged in the competition. We have also received a letter of protest from musicians here in Iceland. The broadcasting manager says they have given clear feedback to the organiser. – We have been clear to the EBU that we are concerned about the situation surrounding Israel’s participation, but we will make the final decision to participate after the national final. However, the EBU has said that it is the Israeli broadcaster that is participating, not the government, and that it wants to separate politics and music. CONTROVERSIAL: Israel often asserts itself strongly in Eurovision and came third last year. But this year many want them to be banned. Photo: Martin Meissner / AP – Must take a moral responsibility But it is not certain that all countries will stand if Israel is allowed to participate. Here at home, too, the discussion is in full swing. There have been demonstrations during the semi-finals, and finalist Gothminister has previously pointed out that it is problematic that Israel is allowed to participate. TRACK: Morten Thomassen, president of the Norwegian MGP club, says Bashar Murad can get a lot of sympathy votes if he qualifies for Eurovision. Photo: Ksenia Novikova Morten Thomassen thinks it’s a shame that the artist who wins the Norwegian final gets this spicy situation in his lap. – They should really be looking forward to going out into the big Eurovision world and showing off their music. But they have to take a moral responsibility and perhaps withdraw because they feel it will be wrong. It’s stupid that it comes with first place this year. However, he is not sure that Israel will participate, even if they are registered. – I think that it may come to a point where they either withdraw voluntarily, or Sweden is unable to make their stay safe, so they withdraw and blame security. It will be very exciting to see.
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Palestinian artist can compete against Israel in this year’s Eurovision – news Culture and entertainment
