Lisbon, December 14, 2025 – In a escalating wave of protest against Israel's continued involvement in the Eurovision Song Contest, 17 Portuguese musicians participating in the national selection process, Festival da Canção, have declared they will refuse to represent their country at the 2026 edition if selected. This move comes amid broader international withdrawals and mounting public outrage in Portugal, highlighting deep divisions over the contest's politicization and allegations of human rights violations.
The artists issued a joint statement on December 13, 2025, condemning what they described as complicity in Israel's actions in Gaza. "With words and with songs, we act within the possibilities we are given. We do not accept complicity with the violation of Human Rights," the statement read, as reported by Euronews. They drew a stark contrast with the European Broadcasting Union's (EBU) decision to ban Russia from the 2022 contest following its invasion of Ukraine, noting their surprise that "the same stance was not taken towards Israel, which, according to the United Nations, is committing acts of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza."
The signatories include prominent entrants in the internal contest organized by Portugal's public broadcaster, RTP, which selects the nation's Eurovision representative. Their refusal underscores a growing sentiment among European artists and broadcasters that the contest, traditionally billed as a celebration of music and unity, has become entangled in geopolitical controversies. Portugal's only Eurovision winner, Salvador Sobral—who triumphed in 2017 with his ballad "Amar Pelos Dois"—amplified the criticism in a social media video, accusing RTP of "political cowardice" for maintaining participation despite the backlash.
In response, RTP affirmed its commitment to the event in a statement: "Regardless of the decision of the artists who subscribe to the statement, RTP will once again organise Festival da Canção and reaffirms its participation at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026." The broadcaster emphasized the contest's role in promoting cultural exchange, but this position has fueled further dissent.
Public reaction in Portugal has been swift and intense, culminating in an online petition launched on December 12, 2025, demanding the country's immediate withdrawal from Eurovision 2026. By December 14, the petition had amassed over 22,000 signatures, arguing that RTP's support for Israel's inclusion "puts Portugal on the wrong side of history." It cited the "ongoing humanitarian catastrophe and military offensive in the Gaza Strip," as well as "vote rigging scandals that marred the 2025 edition in Basel, proving the inability of the organisation (EBU) to curb the politicisation of the event."
The 2025 Eurovision in Basel, Switzerland, was indeed overshadowed by controversies, including allegations of manipulated voting and protests against Israel's entry amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Demonstrators disrupted rehearsals, and several delegations faced internal pressures to withdraw. Israel's participant, Eden Golan, finished fifth despite boos from the audience, prompting debates over the EBU's impartiality.
Portugal's turmoil mirrors a broader European trend. On December 10, 2025, Iceland announced its withdrawal from Eurovision 2026, joining Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, and Slovenia in boycotting the event over Israel's participation. Iceland's public broadcaster, RÚV, cited ethical concerns, stating that competing alongside Israel would contradict national values on human rights. Similarly, Ireland's RTÉ pulled out in November 2025, following artist-led campaigns, while Spain's RTVE and the Netherlands' AVROTROS followed suit amid domestic protests.
The EBU has defended Israel's inclusion, arguing that the contest is apolitical and that the Israeli broadcaster KAN meets all membership criteria. However, critics point to the precedent set with Russia, banned in 2022 for violating EBU rules on media independence and political interference. The UN's involvement adds weight to the protesters' claims; in July 2025, the International Court of Justice issued an advisory opinion declaring Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories unlawful, and multiple UN reports have accused Israel of potential genocide in Gaza, though Israel vehemently denies these allegations.
In Portugal, the petition organizers, including human rights activists and cultural figures, have called for a national debate on the ethics of cultural participation. "Eurovision should unite, not divide," said petition initiator Maria Santos in an interview. "By staying in, we're endorsing silence on atrocities." The movement has gained traction on social media, with hashtags like #BoycottEurovision2026 and #PortugalOut trending.
Festival da Canção, a staple since 1964, has historically been a platform for Portuguese musical talent, producing entries that blend fado influences with contemporary pop. The 2026 selection process, set to culminate in March, now faces uncertainty as the boycotting artists represent a significant portion of the field. RTP has not yet announced contingency plans, but insiders suggest alternative selections or invitations to non-protesting musicians could be considered.
This controversy reflects deeper societal shifts in Europe, where cultural events are increasingly scrutinized through the lens of global politics. Eurovision, founded in 1956 to foster post-war unity, has weathered past boycotts—such as those over hosting in Israel in 1979 and 2019—but the current wave is unprecedented in scale. Analysts predict more withdrawals could jeopardize the contest's viability, with potential impacts on viewership and sponsorships.
As the EBU prepares for the 2026 event in an undisclosed host city (following Switzerland's 2025 hosting), calls for reform grow louder. Proposals include stricter neutrality rules or a review of participation criteria. For Portugal, the decision weighs cultural prestige against moral stance, with public pressure mounting.
Salvador Sobral, known for his outspoken views, urged fellow artists to prioritize conscience: "Music is powerful, but silence in the face of injustice is louder." Whether RTP bows to the pressure remains to be seen, but the episode underscores Eurovision's fragile balance between entertainment and ethics.
