Geneva, (EFE).- Eurovision Executive Supervisor Martin Österdahl defended the integrity of the televote system responding to concerns from Radio Televisión Española (RTVE) over growing public outcry surrounding Israel’s second-place finish despite modest expectations and a low jury score in this year’s contest, held in Basel, Switzerland.
“It is the most advanced in the world,” Österdahl told EFE, emphasizing that voting results are verified by an independent auditing firm, Dutch company Once.net, and reviewed by compliance supervisors to detect irregularities.
“We take every broadcaster’s concerns seriously,” he added, noting that conversations with RTVE have been ongoing since the final.
Spain’s request for transparency comes after its public televote granted Israel the maximum 12 points, mirroring last year’s results, despite Israel’s entry trailing in jury predictions.
RTVE has formally asked the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to publish a detailed breakdown of Spain’s votes and is calling for an independent audit.
Meanwhile, RTVE sources told EFE they would prefer the audit be carried out externally.
The results have intensified debate in Spain over whether global political tensions are impacting the contest’s neutrality.
Political fallout in Spain
RTVE broadcast just before the broadcast of the final a message of for Palestine, after the EBU warned it that it would be sanctioned if references to Gaza and the victims of the conflict, such as those made by the Spanish presenters in the semi-final, were repeated during the gala.
The controversy escalated when Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez publicly called for Israel to be excluded from Eurovision due to its ongoing military campaign in Gaza.
“No one objected when Russia was barred after invading Ukraine. Israel should be held to the same standards,” he said.
Other political leaders weighed in. Óscar López, Minister of the Presidency, praised Spain’s performance and accused opposition parties of politicizing the outcome.
The conservative Popular Party of Madrid suggested the televote was a public rebuke of Sánchez’s foreign policy.
Far-right leader Santiago Abascal of Vox went further, calling RTVE’s coverage biased and demanding the resignation of its president, José Pablo López.
Left-wing parties also chimed in. Podemos labeled the televote for Israel a “far-right campaign,” while IU party’s coordinator, Antonio Maíllo called Eurovision “a propaganda tool for a genocidal government.”
Sumar’s spokesperson, Lara Hernández, urged Spain to cut diplomatic and commercial ties with Israel.
Spanish singer Melody, who represented Spain, has remained largely silent since returning, though she has promised to address the controversy soon.
She finished third-to-last overall, receiving just 10 points from the public.
As Eurovision prepares to move forward, its organizers confirmed a post-contest review will take place ahead of the 2026 edition, which Austria will host.
Austria celebrates victory, prepares for 2026
Austria’s JJ, a 24-year-old countertenor trained at the Vienna State Opera, won with his song Wasted Love, an operatic-techno blend that captivated audiences.
His emotional performance and distinctive staging were widely praised, with Der Standard calling it “a moment of rare artistic unity.”
Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen congratulated the singer, saying, “What a success. What a voice. All of Austria is proud.” Chancellor Christian Stocker echoed the sentiment, praising music as “a bridge across borders in difficult times.”
Now, Austria faces the challenge of hosting Eurovision 2026 amid economic austerity.
Vienna is the leading candidate city, but debate has begun over the financial implications. Organizing the contest could cost tens of millions of euros, as it did in Basel.
Austria’s public broadcaster ORF, already facing budget cuts, must now balance national pride with fiscal responsibility.
Eurovision, the pan-European song contest that has run annually since 1956, holds deep cultural significance across the continent.
More than a musical competition, it’s a celebration of unity and diversity, often mirroring Europe’s shifting political and social landscapes.
With nearly 200 million viewers each year, it’s one of the most-watched non-sporting events in the world and a powerful platform for cultural expression. EFE
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