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Bulgaria Wins Eurovision 2026 as Israel Participation Sparks Boycotts
(MENAFN) Bulgaria has won the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, which took place in Vienna, amid widespread controversy, boycotts, and demonstrations related to Israel’s participation in the competition, according to reports.
The final, held at Vienna’s Wiener Stadthalle, marked the 70th edition of Eurovision. Bulgarian artist Dara took first place with the song “Bangaranga,” earning a total of 516 points from both jury votes and the public.
Israel finished in second place with 343 points, while Romania came third with 296 points.
Several countries — including Spain, Slovenia, the Netherlands, Iceland, and Ireland — chose to boycott the contest in protest over Israel’s inclusion.
During the final, Israeli performer Noam Bettan faced visible protests inside the venue, with parts of the audience waving Palestinian flags during the performance. Reports also indicated booing when Israel’s public vote results were announced.
Criticism also emerged during the broadcast from Amnesty International Secretary General Agnes Callamard, who wrote on social media that “there should be no stage for Israel at Eurovision while there is an ongoing genocide, unlawful occupation and apartheid.”
Ahead of the final, more than 1,000 pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered in Vienna at Christian Broda Square and marched toward the venue hosting the contest.
Protesters carried banners reading messages such as “Don't celebrate genocide” and “Israel, killer of children and people,” while chanting slogans including “Boycott Israel” and “No stage for genocide.”
According to reports, activists, artists, and civil society groups also called on the European Broadcasting Union to exclude Israel from the competition and urged participating countries, including Austria, to reconsider political, economic, and military ties with Israel.
The final, held at Vienna’s Wiener Stadthalle, marked the 70th edition of Eurovision. Bulgarian artist Dara took first place with the song “Bangaranga,” earning a total of 516 points from both jury votes and the public.
Israel finished in second place with 343 points, while Romania came third with 296 points.
Several countries — including Spain, Slovenia, the Netherlands, Iceland, and Ireland — chose to boycott the contest in protest over Israel’s inclusion.
During the final, Israeli performer Noam Bettan faced visible protests inside the venue, with parts of the audience waving Palestinian flags during the performance. Reports also indicated booing when Israel’s public vote results were announced.
Criticism also emerged during the broadcast from Amnesty International Secretary General Agnes Callamard, who wrote on social media that “there should be no stage for Israel at Eurovision while there is an ongoing genocide, unlawful occupation and apartheid.”
Ahead of the final, more than 1,000 pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered in Vienna at Christian Broda Square and marched toward the venue hosting the contest.
Protesters carried banners reading messages such as “Don't celebrate genocide” and “Israel, killer of children and people,” while chanting slogans including “Boycott Israel” and “No stage for genocide.”
According to reports, activists, artists, and civil society groups also called on the European Broadcasting Union to exclude Israel from the competition and urged participating countries, including Austria, to reconsider political, economic, and military ties with Israel.
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