“The European flag represents our values, for our European identity, for inclusion-and citizenship of almost half a billion people,” he said. “If the national flags belong on stage, the European flag does it too.”
Only the national flags of the participating countries are authorized on stage, in the green rooms and on the Turquoise carpet, where the artists make their big entry. The same ban applies to other flags, such as the rainbow flag, which has already been a must in the competition.
“Young Europeans should not need authorization to wave their flag,” added Micallef. “If the EBU holds it out of the scene, let them make it the strongest symbol of the crowd!”
Eurovision has long presented itself as apolitical, although in practice politics often rises to the competition, which is televised in dozens of countries and seen by hundreds of millions in the world.
Before last year’s final, thousands of demonstrators waving Palestinian flags gathered in Malmö. When the candidate of Israel, Eden Golan, went on stage, she received a torrent of huae and cheers.
Politices
