Pro-Palestinian Protests Expected at Eurovision Song Contest Semifinal in Malmo
MALMO, Sweden: The excitement is building in Malmo, Sweden as the second semifinal of the Eurovision Song Contest approaches. However, all eyes are on Israel’s performance, as large pro-Palestinian protests are planned in the host city.
With 100,000 visitors in town for the annual kitsch-fest, watched by a staggering 200 million people worldwide, Thursday’s semifinal promises to be a night to remember.
Among the favorites to win are Switzerland’s Nemo with “The Code,” Joost Klein of the Netherlands with “Europapa,” and outsider Eden Golan of Israel with “Hurricane.”
The 68th edition of the song contest is marred by protests and boycotts over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, sparked by an attack by Hamas on October 7.
Despite calls for Israel to be excluded, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has stood firm but requested modifications to Israel’s original song “October Rain,” which seemed to reference the Hamas attack.
Expecting tens of thousands, a pro-Palestinian demonstration will kick off in central Malmo at 1300 GMT on Thursday. A smaller pro-Israel demonstration is set for 1600 GMT nearby.
Bachar Garar, a 23-year-old Gaza-born Swedish student and Palestinian activist, is vocal about what he sees as double standards, citing EBU’s decision to ban Russia after the Ukraine invasion in 2022.
Israeli contestant Golan, 20, aims to use her performance to bring people together.
“It’s a crucial moment for us, especially this year,” she shared with Reuters. “I feel privileged to be the voice of my country.”
Following the first semifinal on Tuesday, where favorites Croatia and Ukraine qualified, Swedish authorities are on high alert for potential unrest during Eurovision week.
Francesca Gaffey, a United Kingdom supporter, embraced the fun atmosphere, saying, “There are sometimes more police than people in sequins, but overall great fun, we’re having a great time.”
The semifinal on Thursday is scheduled to start at 1900 GMT, featuring contestants from Malta, Albania, Greece, the Czech Republic, Austria, Denmark, Armenia, Latvia, San Marino, Georgia, Belgium, Estonia, and Norway.
Bookmakers have Croatia, Switzerland, Italy, and Ukraine as the front-runners, while Spotify streaming data points towards a strong chance for the Netherlands or host nation Sweden.