Norwegian people are divided over whether Norway should withdraw from the Eurovision Song Contest if Israel is allowed to participate, according to a poll conducted by InFact on behalf of Nettavisen.
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The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has been clear that it will not ban Israel, which has sparked reactions. Among other things, Iceland is considering withdrawal, and there are many people calling for a boycott on social media.
In light of this, InFact this week asked whether Norway should withdraw from Eurovision if Israel is not banned.
People are divided
1,023 Norwegians from all over the country responded to the latest survey through spontaneous telephone interviews.
The results show that 39.5 percent of respondents believe that Norway should withdraw if that happens, while 38.4 percent think no. 22.1% do not know.
In other words, Norwegian people seem to be divided, but the differences are even greater when it comes to age.
In the age group from 18 to 29 years, a majority of 42.3 percent compared to 35.7 percent believes that Norway should withdraw. The 30- to 44-year-old age group is largely equal, while the 45- to 64-year-old age group has a small majority answering “no” in the Eurovision debate.
What do you mean? Answer in the vote box below:
Artists criticize
Several of this year's MGP finalists have publicly stated that they are critical of Israel's participation in the competition.
Margaret Berger (38) told NTB last week that she believes the best solution is for Israel to withdraw – also for the sake of the artist or group they are sending to the final in Malmö.
For her part, finalist Mina Verek Probakin (26), known as Mia, showed clear support for Palestine during the semi-finals of the MGP tournament in which she participated – clearly displaying, among other things, posters made in the colors of the Palestinian flag.
– It was a difficult decision to join MGP because I am very pro-Palestine. Israel's participation in Eurovision is something that has held me back in the past. Now it was very important to me that everyone in my gang wear these colors to show our support. The artist added: I am very proud of that “Good evening Norway” After the Dolphins final last Saturday.
– Politician
Ingrid Jasmin Vogt (37) shared a post on Instagram She clearly stated that she believed Israel should not be allowed to participate.
In her posts, the 37-year-old wrote, among other things, that she wishes Eurovision was not political, but believes it became so when Russia was banned after the invasion of Ukraine due to pressure from other participating countries. Russia also will not participate this year.
“When the EBU chooses to include Israel while the authorities are committing war crimes in Gaza, and other participating countries remain silent, this is also political.”It is among what you write.
Furthermore, several top Norwegian artists have signed a petition against participating in the Eurovision contest in which Israel is participating. according to VG It collected 294 signatures, led by Marty Wolf and Marty Vallee. Several other countries also made similar calls.
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