The Spanish prime minister has demanded Israel be banned from Eurovision over its actions in Gaza.
Socialist leader Pedro Sanchez made the remarks on Monday, claiming there was a ‘double standard’ after Russia was banned following its invasion of Ukraine.
It comes as the public broadcaster today demanded a full breakdown of Spain’s televotes, after the country awarded Israel the maximum 12 points.
READ MORE: Eurovision row erupts as Spain demands breakdown of votes
‘We cannot allow double standards in culture,’ Sanchez said while presenting a report named The Cultural And Creative Sectors In Spain.
He emphasised his country’s ‘commitment’ to ‘international legality’, adding that ‘human rights must be constant and consistent.’
Finance minister Maria Jesus Montero agreed, saying their stance ‘is not ideological’ but rather ‘a matter of humanity’ and ‘about promoting that sense of humanity.’
Meanwhile, the Minister for Digital Transformation and Public Service, Oscar Lopez, said he was ‘very proud’ of RTVE’s stance on Israel at the Eurovision Song Contest, saying the broadcaster was ‘on the right side of history.’
Coordinator for the far-left Sumar party Lara Hernandez also agreed with Sanchez.
She said: ‘We fully agree with Sanchez. If this veto against Russia occurs, there should be no double standards.
‘We propose the total suspension of diplomatic and trade relations with Israel until the occupation, genocide, and ethnic cleansing they are carrying out against the Palestinian people is halted.’
