From our special correspondent in Liverpool (UK)
In recent months, Volodymyr Zelensky has appeared, by videoconference, in several cultural events such as the Cannes and Berlin festivals. But the Ukrainian president will be deprived of Eurovision. The final of the competition will be held in Liverpool on Saturday, with the United Kingdom hosting the competition on behalf of Ukraine, which won the trophy last year.
“The Eurovision Song Contest is international entertainment, governed by strict rules and principles established since its inception. Among them: the apolitical nature of the event. This principle prohibits the possibility of taking political positions in the context of the competition, “said the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which oversees the organization, this Thursday evening. in a press release.
“Laudable Intentions”
“Mr. Zelensky’s request to speak in front of the Eurovision audience, although made with laudable intentions, unfortunately cannot be accepted by the EBU as it would be contrary to its rules”, continued the body. .
The EBU recalls that this edition, organized by the BBC, the British public service, in collaboration with its Ukrainian counterpart, gives pride of place to Ukrainian culture, music and creativity. Saturday, at the opening of the final, former Ukrainian candidates emblematic of Eurovision, like Jamala or Verka Serduchka, will occur for example on stage.