Malta Should Consider Leaving Eurovision if Israel Is Allowed to Take Part, Says Julie Zahra

PN Deputy Julie Zahra, contesting the General Election in Districts 4 and 8, has suggested that Malta should reconsider its participation in the Eurovision Song Contest if the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) allows Israel to take part.

Speaking on the issue, Zahra said: “Music is a living form of expression. Every song carries a message, whether social or political. I am following with interest the discussions regarding the participation of various countries in the next Eurovision, should Israel be permitted to compete.”

She recalled that Russia has been banned from the contest since 2022, following the invasion of Ukraine, and stressed that a final decision by the EBU on Israel’s participation is expected in December. “However, what is happening in Gaza cannot be ignored. Even the United Nations has called it genocide,” Zahra added.

The PN Deputy emphasised that artists using their work to convey messages of protest and condemnation is a core aspect of artistic expression, as has happened on many previous occasions. She argued that Malta should adopt a similar stance and disagreed with the Government’s position that such forums should be used to convey messages of condemnation and protest.

“If Malta decides not to participate, the funds allocated could still be distributed to artists to produce their work. There are many ways to ensure that artists’ efforts are not wasted. Using music to convey a message of peace is the natural next step, and as other countries have already announced, Malta should do the same,” Zahra concluded.

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