MALMÖ, Sweden: The Eurovision Song Contest final is set to commence in Malmo, Sweden, on Saturday with thousands of protesters expected to culminate a week of tensions surrounding Israel’s participation during the Gaza war.
Israel, alongside Croatia and Switzerland, is among the top contenders favoured by bookmakers to dethrone Sweden, watched by over a hundred million viewers worldwide.
According to authorities, as many as 20,000 demonstrators are projected to gather in Malmo to voice opposition to Israel’s involvement. The city, known for its diverse populace of over 360,000 residents representing 186 nationalities, including a significant Middle Eastern contingent, braces for the protests.
In addition to the protesters, Malmo is preparing to welcome around 100,000 fans from 90 countries, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of ABBA’s legendary Eurovision triumph with “Waterloo.”
Despite objections from thousands of musicians worldwide calling for her exclusion, Israel’s contestant, Eden Golan, has been confirmed to participate by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the event’s governing body. Furthermore, in a recent development, nine acts, including seven finalists, have issued a joint appeal for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza. —AFP/APP
