Christer Björkman: “I’m here to make the greatest TV show in the world, SVT can answer on Israel’s participation!”

On Monday, more than 1.000 Swedish artists, sent a petition to the EBU and the public broadcaster of Sweden, SVT, in order to ask for Israel’s exclusion from Eurovision, as we’ve previously informed you.

SVT’s program director Eva Beckman but also the producer of the contest Christer Björkman, answered on the hot topic of Israel’s participation in the Contest.

Christer Björkman, stated:

“I think it’s fantastic that people make their voices heard. But I’m here to make the world’s best television program for SVT and I stick to that role, SVT can answer better for this.”

On the same time, SVT’s program director, Eva Beckman, understands that there is an issue with Israel taking part in the contest, but states that the final decision is in the hands of the EBU.

“It is impossible not to be affected by what is going on now, but it is the EBU that decides who will be allowed to participate. And we relate to that. A boycott would be terrible, Eurovision was created as a peace project and should not be political. But I understand that it is perceived as political, the choices made in the competition send signals.”

In the end, she talks about the safety of the whole event:

“It must be an absolutely safe event with the help of both the city of Malmö and what we do. It adds to the security situation, but we will manage that.”

The protests in Sweden are among many taking place across Europe over the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The EBU, however, has stated that Israel’s public television is in line with the regulations for participation in the Contest and thus Israel will normally take part.

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, in Malmö!