Eurovision boss Martin Österdahl believes that everyone who is active in the Eurovision Song Contest in the next two weeks can do their work safely. The public present does not have to worry either, although the Swede does take ‘unpleasant’ demonstrations into account, says Österdahl in an interview with the Swedish newspaper ‘Dagens Industri’.
“Could it get a little unpleasant or violent? Yes, that’s possible”
“We have been at the very highest level of security available for events for years, so the public and those working on site all these weeks are safe. Will there be demonstrations? Very likely. Could it get a bit unpleasant or violent? Yes, that is possible. Can the police handle it? Yes, I think so,” says Österdahl.
Demonstrations are expected around the Eurovision Song Contest for Israel’s participation. Many people believe that the country should be excluded because of the war in Gaza.
Österdahl finds it ‘frustrating’ that the Eurovision Song Contest has become a political discussion this year. He emphasizes that a country can only be refused entry if the broadcaster in question violates the rules of the European Broadcasting Union. For example, after the invasion of Ukraine, Russia was excluded after national broadcasters violated the rules on freedom of the press and freedom of expression. That is certainly not the case with the Israeli broadcaster KAN, according to Österdahl.
The Swede, who is experiencing his fourth Eurovision Song Contest this year as executive supervisor of the event, hopes that the artists in Malmö will ‘focus on what brings us together’.
Aran Bade spoke to Joost Klein at Schiphol before departure to Malmö:
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