Position of the Spanish Public TV and Gov

Spain's public broadcaster RTVE defied Eurovision rules by airing pro-Palestinian messages during the 2025 contest, despite warnings of sanctions from organizers[^1][^2].

Before the May 17 finale in Basel, RTVE displayed text stating "When human rights are at stake, silence is not an option. Peace and justice for Palestine"[^1]. Their commentators Julia Varela and Tony Aguilar also cited Gaza casualty figures during broadcasts, prompting the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to threaten financial penalties[^2].

The controversy escalated when Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called for Israel's exclusion from Eurovision, claiming "double standards" compared to Russia's 2022 ban[^3]. RTVE is now requesting an audit of Spain's public vote after Israel received maximum points, questioning the validity of the voting system[^4].

The Spanish broadcaster had previously requested formal EBU discussions about Israel's participation in April 2025, citing "concerns raised by various civil society groups in Spain regarding the situation in Gaza"[^5]. The EBU maintained that all members remain eligible to compete while acknowledging "deeply held views around the current conflict"[^5].

[^1]: GB News - Eurovision 2025: Spanish TV disrupts finale to air pro-Palestine message amid Israel inclusion row

[^2]: Jerusalem Post - Spanish RTVE breaks EBU rules with pro-Palestinian message

[^3]: BBC News - Eurovision: Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez calls for Israel to be banned

[^4]: The Jewish Chronicle - Eurovision 2025: Spanish broadcaster to request audit after surge in Israel votes

[^5]: RTÉ - Spanish broadcaster seeks talks on Israel at Eurovision

(Andisearch Writeup)