RTVE Calls for Comprehensive Review of Eurovision Voting System Amidst Israel Controversy

Eurovision remains embroiled in controversy following Israel's second-place finish last Saturday, achieved through the televote. This voting system has been questioned by several countries, including Spain, which has called not only for a debate on Israel's participation in the festival but also for a "comprehensive review" of the voting system to ensure there is no "external interference organized by countries, as has been recently demonstrated." These were the words of RTVE president José Pablo López in a letter sent to the Director General of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), Noel Curran, and Eurovision's Director General, Martin Green.

López called for better control over the role of bots and improved detection and prevention tools. Additionally, on a day when Melody stated she does not believe she was disadvantaged at Eurovision, the RTVE executive requested an "independent audit" of this year's results, where Spain only secured 37 points from both jury and public, "to ensure accountability and resolve any anomalies."

Meanwhile, the Spanish representative stated in comments to the press from her doorstep that although she does not understand "what is happening," she promised to soon share her experience at the most controversial festival in memory, for which several countries have called for an effective evaluation of this year's events to prevent the festival's discredit. Eurovision has been, for decades, a symbol of unity and cultural exchange. To preserve this legacy, it is essential that the competition's rules and systems remain transparent, fair, and credible," López emphasizes.