Pedro Sanchez has defended Spain’s decision to withdraw from Eurovision Song Contest, calling it a ‘coherent and necessary’ stand against injustice.

In a video released on the eve of the final, Sanchez said the move by RTVE was rooted in Spain’s commitment to human rights and international law.

‘This year will be different,’ Sanchez said, explaining that Spain’s absence is linked to Israel’s participation in the contest.

‘Our commitment to human rights and international legality is also expressed through culture,’ he added, describing the boycott as a way of ‘taking a stand in the face of injustice’.

‘No double standards’

The prime minister drew parallels with the exclusion of Russia from Eurovision following its invasion of Ukraine, which was a decision Spain supported.

He argued the same principles should now apply, warning against ‘double standards’ when it comes to international conflicts.

Sanchez also referenced the situation in Gaza and Lebanon, stating that ‘silence is not an option’ in the face of war and what he described as grave humanitarian concerns.

‘On the right side of history’

He stressed that Eurovision was originally created to promote peace and unity across Europe, but said those values must be upheld in practice.

Spain is not alone in its stance, Sanchez noted, pointing to countries such as Ireland, Iceland, the Netherlands and Slovenia as sharing similar positions.

‘This year we won’t physically be in Vienna,’ he said, ‘but we will not be there with the conviction that we are on the right side of history.’

Pedro Sanchez’s statement in full:

This year is going to be different. As you know some months ago, the Spanish broadcaster RTVE took a decision that I think is coherent and necessary and takes a stand against injustice. 

For this, Spain will not participate in the Eurovision song contest, because our commitment to human rights and international legality is also expressed through culture.

When Russia invaded Ukraine, it was suspended from competing, and Spain supported this decision. 

These principles must also be applied when we talk about Israel. There cannot be double standards. 

Spain has always participated in this music festival since its creation, which was made to promote, precisely, peace, to bring us closer and to celebrate the diversity of the European continent. 

But facing the illegal war and genocide, silence is not an option. And we cannot remain indifferent to what is continuing to happen in Gaza and Lebanon. 

It’s a question of coherence, responsibility and humanity. 

And of course we are not alone, as Ireland, Iceland, Netherlands and Slovenia will also not compete. And many fans across Europe have turned away from the festival. This year it is going to be different, yes, we will not be in Vienna, but we will not be there with the conviction that we are on the right side of history.