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Eurovision Opens in Vienna With Boycotts, Tighter Voting Rules and Heavy Security

Organizers issued Israel’s broadcaster a formal warning over calls to use all 10 public votes.

Overview

  • Public broadcasters in Spain, Ireland and Slovenia said Monday they will not air the shows, following their boycott over Israel’s participation.
  • Five national withdrawals reduce this year’s field to 35 entries, the smallest lineup since the early 2000s.
  • Eurovision’s director said a formal warning went to Israel’s KAN on Saturday after videos urged fans to “vote 10 times” for Noam Bettan, and the clips were removed promptly.
  • To shore up voting integrity, the EBU cut per‑viewer votes from 20 to 10 and restored professional juries to 50 percent of the result, including in the semi‑finals.
  • Vienna police plan a major operation around the Wiener Stadthalle and expect possible blockades or other disruptions, especially on the day of the final.