The governor of the state of Lower Austria, Johanna Mikl-Leitner, has come out in favour of Israel’s participation in the 70th Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna.
In a post on social media, Ms. Leitner commented as follows:
“Following Ireland, the Netherlands is now also threatening a boycott of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if Israel participates as planned.
For all the legitimate criticism of Israel’s democratically elected government, one thing remains: A Song Contest without Israel is unthinkable. Especially when half of Europe is threatening a boycott. Especially then, especially in difficult times, Austria must assume responsibility and stand by the Israeli people. We owe them that. I would rather Austria ultimately host the Song Contest alone with Israel – than without Israel. Austria must take a stand.”
Johanna Mikl-Leitner, from the center-right, is one of nine state governors, while Lower Austria is the largest and second most populous state after the state of Vienna. Her statement comes shortly after the director general of Austrian public broadcaster ÖRF and the broadcaster’s board of directors have expressed support for Israel.
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