Labour MP Edward Zammit Lewis has joined calls for Malta to pull out of the Eurovision Song Contest if Israel participates.
The former justice minister’s appeal contrasts with Culture Minister Owen Bonnici’s position, who last month said that Malta will take part.
Speaking in parliament on Wednesday, Zammit Lewis urged the House to condemn Israel and to unanimously agree that Malta should not participate should Israel be allowed to take part.
“We need to symbolically show that we stand to be counted as a House that condemns this and refuses to participate,” he said.
The MP argued that Malta should follow the example of Ireland, Slovenia, Iceland, the Netherlands, and Spain, who have all announced they will withdraw from next year’s Eurovision if Israel is allowed to compete.
Zammit Lewis also directly addressed the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), saying that just as it barred Russia from participating in 2022, it should now do the same with Israel, describing the current situation as “similar, if not worse.”
His appeal echoes calls made last month by opposition culture spokesperson Julie Zahra, who also urged Malta to take a stand on the issue.
On Tuesday, the Palestinian embassy, the General Workers’ Union, the Malta Entertainment Industry and Arts Association, and a coalition of NGOs also called on Malta to pressure the EBU to exclude Israel from the competition.
The EBU, which organises the contest, has said it will make a decision on Israel’s participation in December.