Fewer protests, more languages, Swedes against a record win

In a less tense and more apolitical atmosphere than last year in Malmö, a new winner will be announced tonight in Switzerland Eurovision. There is no doubt in the bookmakers that this will be again Sweden, represented by the comic trio from the city of Vörå, Finland. Among the candidates who could prevent Scandinavians the eighth Eurovision victory are the Austrian’s most likely chances JJ and French Louane. Ghosts continues to stirs up Israel but the cooperation of the Jewish state this time arouses less resistance as a year ago.

Ever since Switzerland organized the first edition of the festival and hosted the Eurovision caravan in 1989, the competition has undergone a lot of changes. In the late 1980s, for example, only national juries were decided, the orchestra was an important protagonist, significantly fewer countries participated, the tone of the event was formal and rigid. But despite the differences, some things remain unchanged, including the fact that the most watched unsportsmanlike television event in the world continues to reflect social sensitivity and political mood on the old continent.

One of the most prominent characteristics 69. Editions Eurovision It is a break from English, which could be a gap metaphor that boiled between Europe and the US. English still remains Lingua FrancoYet, this year’s record number of countries has been presented at least partly in maternity. In 37 performances, 20 languages ​​were heard – from Armenian to Icelandic.

Klemen Slakonjawho has fallen out in the first semi -finalsdid not decide on Slovenian, For the first time in 26 years, for example, the Swedes performed in their mother tonguealso after a long set of songs in English this year, with German, it is represented by the European audience the biggest EU member states. “I find it very healthy. If they are supposed to Eurosong represented a common European identity, this identity must emphasize diversity and diversity, ”is a linguistic trend for Work commented British publicist and author of the book Eurovision: History of Contemporary Europe Through the World Music Competition Chris West.

Pacifying linguistic diversity is not the only expression of seeking authenticity and identity. Even in the texts and stage performances of the performers, there is a clear orientation – progressive highlights prevail, from liberation of the female body to the questioning of heteronormativity. This, as West thinks, is in a sharp contrast by the growth of extreme right parties on the continent and beyond. ““ “Eurovision Let him insist on his principles – populism will flush when his unpleasant consequences are increasingly obvious, « said the interviewee.

Relationship to Israel

Although in relation to feminism, gender identities and the LGBT+ community, opposition to the dominant trends in the old continent are observed, significantly more syntonia with the West is observed in the relationship of organizers of the competition to Israel. This year, the European Radio -Department (EBU) did not define itself in the gauze of war, nor did it manage to explain why Russia, which was excluded after the attack on Ukraine, are subject to different rules than for the Jewish state. Instead, Ebu representatives resort to generic answers. “It must be understood that on Eurovision do not participate with governments, but public media outlets, ”he is for Work said the director of the competition Martin Green. « We need to preserve the spaces where we can show that we can unite – and music is a great way to do it. »

EBU has introduced some changes after the tensions between Israeli and other delegations in Sweden this year. He has established areas where the recording of performers is not allowed, and also abolished press conferences on both semi -final evenings. Most of these are minor modifications, and it is difficult to get rid of the feeling that EBU is counting on the opposition to the Israeli cooperation on Eurovision slowly died.

Today, new manifestations are announced in Basel. Photo: Gasper Završnik

That this has already happened in part could also be concluded after happening outside the Eurovision Bubble. Unlike Malmö, where thousands of protesters expressed the disagreement over the performance of Israel last year, only about 200 people gathered on Wednesday in the center of Basel, where the first Zionist Congress was prepared in 1897. “People do not consider the problems of others and wars around the world. It seems to me that we have already normalized everything, « said the 49-year-old protest, who came to Basel from nearby Germany. New protests, more massive, are announced for today.

A unique opportunity for basel

There are significantly fewer Palestinian flags around the city than in Sweden, and in conversation with the locals there is less discomfort over the organizers’ licensing. In the Eurovision village, as is called part of the city these days, about 30,000 people have mirrored the second semifinals.

The Basel authorities expect that in the Eurovision Week, it will be visited by 250,000 to 500,000 people with Germany and France. « The benefits are obvious – they bring added value to the whole city and a unique opportunity to introduce ourselves to an audience who may not know Basel yet, » she stressed Isidora Rudolph From Basel Tourism.