Moldovan TV Boss Steps Down After Fans Protest Eurovision Votes

The decision of Moldova’s public broadcaster to give only three points to neighboring Romania during last weekend’s Eurovision Song Contest sparked a wave of angry posts on social media. Hundreds of viewers took to online forums, accusing the jury of favoritism and demanding accountability. In a brief press briefing, Vlad Turcanu, who runs the national radio and TV network, said that he had taken responsibility for the jury’s choices. He added that while the broadcaster had tried to distance itself from the voting process, the ultimate blame lay with him as chief of the organization. The backlash highlighted how digital platforms can influence politics even in smaller European nations. Moldova, a former Soviet republic that shares cultural ties with Romania, has recently pledged to join the European Union by 2030. The country’s president has publicly condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, adding to the national debate over international alliances.

During the contest, the jury awarded its highest score—12 points—to Poland’s entry, which finished twelfth overall. Israel received ten points, despite the country facing boycotts from five nations over its actions in Gaza. The final winner was Bulgaria, while Romanian fans were upset that the jury gave Romania only three points, even though television viewers had awarded them 12. Many also criticized the jury for giving no points to Ukraine’s performance. The resignation shows how public opinion can pressure media leaders. It also raises questions about the role of national juries versus audience votes in international competitions.

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