Pressure is mounting on the government to reconsider Malta’s participation in next year’s Eurovision Song Contest if Israel is allowed to compete. Both Momentum and shadow culture minister Julie Zahra have urged a boycott, arguing that cultural events cannot be separated from accountability for human rights violations.
Momentum described the government’s stance as “morally untenable,” citing a United Nations probe that found Israel guilty of genocide in Gaza. Treasurer Carmel Asciak said Malta risks “sending mixed signals internationally” by sharing a stage with Israel and called for a public debate in Parliament on the issue.
Zahra, also a former Eurovision participant, echoed the call in a Facebook post. “What is happening in Gaza cannot be ignored. Even the United Nations are calling it a genocide,” she wrote, stressing that artistic forums can also be used to condemn injustice. She argued that Israel should face the same treatment as Russia, which was barred from the contest following its invasion of Ukraine.
Culture Minister Owen Bonnici, however, confirmed Malta will not join boycott calls. While criticising Israel’s actions, he insisted Eurovision should remain “a place of dialogue.”
Spain has already pledged to withdraw, while Ireland, Slovenia, Iceland and the Netherlands are considering similar steps. The European Broadcasting Union is expected to decide on Israel’s participation in December.
Newsroom
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