Global Courant 2023-05-12 15:06:35
LIVERPOOL, England –
This weekend’s Eurovision Song Contest features Ukrainian flags, Ukrainian musicians and Ukrainian fans, but not the country’s war leader.
The organizers turned down a request from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to make a video address for the final of the pan-continental music competition on Saturday. He was expected to urge the world to continue its support for Ukraine’s struggle to repel the Russian invasion.
The European Broadcasting Union, which runs the Eurovision Song Contest, said admitting Zelenskyy would violate “the non-political nature of the event”.
Zelenskyy’s request “to address the public at the Eurovision Song Contest, although done with laudable intentions, unfortunately cannot be granted by the management of the European Broadcasting Union as it would be against the rules of the event,” the organization said. .
Founded in 1956 to help heal a war-ravaged continent, Eurovision strives to keep pop and politics separate. Overtly political texts, signs and symbols are prohibited.
But politics cannot be completely excluded. Russia was excluded from the competition after invading Ukraine in February 2022. Belarus was kicked out last year because of its government’s crackdown on dissent.
Last year’s contest was won by Ukraine, with the United Kingdom hosting on behalf of the country.
Acts from 26 countries will compete in Saturday’s live final at the Liverpool Arena, co-hosted by Ukrainian singer Julia Sanina. It will feature a performance by last year’s Eurovision winner, the Kalush Orchestra and other Ukrainian artists, and will feature footage of Ukraine before each act.
We believe this is the best way to reflect and celebrate Ukraine’s victory in the Eurovision Song Contest and to show that we are united through music in these difficult times.
