Stocker warns against Israel's exclusion from the Song Contest in Vienna

After ORF Director General Roland Weißmann emphasized in an APA interview on Thursday that it was still clear to him that Israel must participate in the Vienna Eurovision Song Contest 2026, Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) also reinforced this position on Sunday: "I would consider it a fatal mistake to exclude Israel. Due to our history alone, I would never support that," Stocker said in a dpa interview.

Stocker: "ESC is not a political, but a musical event"

Regarding the rumors that the ÖVP is exerting pressure on the ORF behind the scenes to withdraw as the host of the event in the event of Israel's exclusion, Stocker did not comment in the dpa interview. Weißmann had previously clarified regarding the rumors: "Participation in the ESC includes the obligation to host the next ESC in the event of a victory. Contracts apply." In general, the Song Contest is considered: "It is not a political, but a musical event."

Several ESC countries, including Spain, the Netherlands, and Ireland, had announced in recent months that they would refrain from participating themselves if Israel participated in the ESC. The vote on the matter, which was temporarily scheduled by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) as the organizer for November among all EBU members, was withdrawn after the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip was declared. Now, the participation of Israel is to be debated at the General Assembly on December 10.

Song for Song Contest 2026 in Vienna selected by preliminary decision

The 70th Eurovision Song Contest will take place in May 2026 at the Vienna Stadthalle. The first semi-final is scheduled for May 12, and the second on May 14. Austria, as the host country, is automatically qualified for the Grand Final, which is watched annually by around 170 million people and will take place on May 16. The act that will wave the red-white-red flag at the home ESC will be determined on February 20, 2026, in the ORF casting show "Vienna Calling."

In addition to the venue Vienna Stadthalle, the town hall will serve as the main hub. As in 2015, the "Eurovision Village" will be set up at the Rathausplatz. Among other things, the opening ceremony will take place in the town hall. This time, the "Euro Club" will also be set up in the town hall.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.