There seems to be a whole chain of issues for the EBU after Eurovision 2024. Adding to the list of countries and delegations that have already complained, Slovenia’s RTV SLO also joins in, presenting a very long list of issues that it expects answers about from the EBU.
This year, Slovenia was represented by Raiven with the song “Veronika,” qualifying for the grand final. Yet, despite the love received for their entry, this year’s edition of the contest has left a bitter taste for the Slovenian broadcaster. In a press release, RTV Slovenija declared that this year was filled with controversies and many questions remained unanswered. They have sent a letter to the EBU seeking clarification on several issues.
“At the same time (as the other delegations), TV Slovenija wants these questions to stimulate a wider discussion about the future and development of the Eurovision Song Contest, which was unfortunately marked by many controversies this year.”
RTV SLO questions Eurovision televote results
One of the issues listed by RTV Slovenija concerns the voting process and how Slovenians voted this year. They are asking the EBU for detailed data on the voting of the Slovenian audience, including not just the number of votes, but exact information on how the Slovenian audience voted (such as the platforms used etc.).
“The total result raises some doubts, especially the large number of ‘new’ online voters, which have not been there before,” commented RTV SLO.
Although the statement does not mention any particular county, it is possible the organisation is raising eyebrows at the “voting incitement” Israel’s government has admitted to organising. David Saranga, Acting Deputy Director of Public Diplomacy at Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told Ynet: “It is true that we, as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, acted among friendly audiences to increase voting.”
The Israeli government sponsored a worldwide marketing campaign for Eden Golan and “Hurricane,” with numerous adverts on YouTube and a billboard in New York’s Times Square. They also instructed representatives in other European countries to publicise the entry and encourage people to vote for Israel. Slovenian member of parliament Anja Bah Žibert posted on X that she had never voted in Eurovision before but would be supporting Israel in 2024 and motivated others to do the same.
This year, the Slovenian public awarded Israel 10 points in the grand final — placing them second out of the 25 competing acts.
However, voting breakdowns of previous years show that the Slovenian public does not regularly award Israel many points. Since the change in 2016 that now sees the jury and televote award their points separately, the Slovenian public have not given Israel any points — though the country’s jury awarded Eden Alene one point in 2021, Netta one point in 2018, and Hovi Star two points at the 2016 grand final. Before then, when the jury and televote were combined into one set of points, Slovenia bestowed Nadav Guedj five points in the Eurovision 2015 semi-final (but no points in the grand final) and Harel Skaat six points in the 2010 grand final.
This sudden increase in the number of votes for Israel by the Slovenian public, particularly in a year filled with turmoil surrounding the Israel-Gaza war, has perhaps raised questions for RTV SLO, with the broadcaster noting “the large number of ‘new’ online voters, which have not been there before.”
Further complaints from RTV Slovenija
Yet, this is not the only issue that bothered the Slovenian broadcaster. They have further complaints about the sudden disqualification of the Netherlands, the use of the anti-booing system during Israel’s performance, and the ban on the EU flag. They also question the EBU about whether their decisions and the content of the event have been influenced by the main sponsor (Moroccanoil, an Israeli brand).
Additionally, they found the ‘Rest of the World’ vote to be bizarre.
“What is its meaning and why should citizens of countries that do not participate in the Eurovision Song Contest have an influence on the outcome of the competition? “
To conclude, RTV SLO advocates for better communication among the countries that are members of the EBU in designing the selection and making key decisions. They suggest establishing a more democratic decision-making system — at present, all decisions relating to the contest are made by the nine-member Eurovision Song Contest Reference Group, which does not include representation from every competing country. To this end, RTV Slovenija invites the EBU to engage in an open discussion.
What do you think of the complaints made by RTV SLO about the televote and more? Do you think they are justified? Let us know in the comments bellow.
