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Eurovision final in Vienna overshadowed by protests over Israel’s participation
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Hundreds protested in Vienna against Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 as security was tightened around the Wiener Stadthalle before the grand final, amid tensions linked to the war in Gaza.
Austria witnessed renewed protests over Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday, as several hundred demonstrators gathered near Vienna’s Wiener Stadthalle hours before the 2026 grand final.
ADVERTISEMENTADVERTISEMENTProtest organisers and speakers addressed supporters in a nearby square before marchers carrying Palestinian flags and banners moved towards the arena, which was secured by police barriers and patrols.
The demonstration reflected continuing tensions surrounding the competition, now facing a third consecutive year of controversy linked to the war in Gaza and wider regional instability. Austrian authorities kept streets around the venue open while closely monitoring the march through the capital. Security was reinforced throughout Eurovision week, with police officers deployed from across Austria and additional support from neighbouring Germany.
The 70th edition of Eurovision, which held semi-finals on 12 and 14 May before Saturday’s final, has been marked by sharp political divisions among participating broadcasters. Spain, Ireland, Iceland, Slovenia and the Netherlands boycotted this year’s contest in protest against Israel’s inclusion after the European Broadcasting Union declined to suspend Israeli broadcaster KAN.
Despite the tensions, the protests in Vienna remained smaller than those seen during Eurovision events in Malmö in 2024 and Basel in 2025.
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