Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has passionately defended his country’s decision to withdraw from and not broadcast this year’s Eurovision Song Contest — marking the first time Spain has opted out of the event. Speaking in a video posted on X (formerly Twitter), Sánchez described the move as a ‘coherent’ act of protest against Israel’s participation, stating: “This year, therefore, will be different. Yes, we won’t be in Vienna — but we do this with the conviction that we are on the right side of history.”
A Shift in Eurovision’s Tradition
The Eurovision Song Contest — long celebrated as a festive showcase of pop music and European unity — is facing unprecedented political tension this year. The 70th edition is taking place in Vienna amid widespread controversy over Israel’s participation, following its military campaign in Gaza in response to Hamas’s October 2023 attack.
Protests and Boycotts
The opening of the first semi-final on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, unfolded under the shadow of demonstrations calling for Israel’s exclusion. In a significant show of solidarity with that stance, public broadcasters from five countries — Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland, and Slovenia — have boycotted the contest entirely. As a result, this year’s Eurovision features just 35 participating nations — the lowest number since 2003.