Belgian Minister of Culture and Media Calls for Israel’s Exclusion from Eurovision Contest

In a plenary session of the Parliament of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, Bénédicte Linard, Vice-President of the Ecolo party and Minister of Culture and Media, expressed her views on Wednesday regarding Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest. She was questioned by Alice Bernard, the leader of the PTB group, who advocated for Israel’s exclusion from the contest due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Bernard asked the minister about the actions she could take to mobilize against Israel’s participation in Eurovision.

In response, Bénédicte Linard highlighted the intolerable events in Gaza, where dozens of children, women, and men are dying every day, and famine is looming. Drawing a parallel with Russia’s exclusion from sporting events and Eurovision after the invasion of Ukraine, Linard stated that it is unacceptable for Israel to participate in Eurovision in May in Malmö, Sweden. She personally believes that Israel should be excluded from Eurovision until it ceases its flagrant violations of international law in Gaza. Linard intends to write to RTBF, Belgium’s national broadcaster, urging them to support this position within the European Broadcasting Union.

However, it remains unclear whether Linard’s position is supported by the government of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation. Minister-President Pierre-Yves Jeholet declined to comment, stating that it is Linard’s personal opinion.

Within the European Broadcasting Union, both RTBF and VRT represent Belgium. Benjamin Dalle, the Flemish Minister responsible for VRT, shared his perspective, expressing support for suspending Israel’s participation in Eurovision as long as civilian casualties continue to mount. Dalle believes that Israel’s presence at a culturally significant event like Eurovision is incompatible with the ongoing conflict.

As of now, RTBF has not issued a response, awaiting official communication from Minister Linard. Additionally, decisions regarding Israel’s participation in Eurovision are not solely in Belgium’s hands but involve considerations from other member states within the European Broadcasting Union.

Belgium will be represented in the 68th Eurovision Song Contest by Musti with the song “Before The Party’s Over”,

Source: RTBF