“Eurovision organizer prevents Ukrainian president from making political statement”

The British newspaper The Times writes that the organizer wanted to prevent the song festival from becoming a political event.

‘In violation of event rules’

Zelensky would have asked to be allowed to press for support during the war in Ukraine in a video, but the EBU does not want that. “One of the pillars of the competition is its non-political character. This principle prohibits the possibility of making political or similar statements during the competition,” the organizer said.

“Mr Zelensky’s request to address the audience at the Eurovision Song Contest, although made with laudable intentions, unfortunately cannot be granted as it would be against the rules of the event.”

Last year, the EBU decided shortly after the invasion of Ukraine that Russia was not allowed to participate. At the time, the organizer stated that Russia’s participation could “discredit” the competition. Several countries had put pressure on the EBU and said they would not come if Russia was also allowed to come.

Organization shifted

Ukraine should actually organize the Eurovision song contest due to last year’s win. Because of the war, the United Kingdom took over the organization.