Belarus is not allowed to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam this year. The second entry made by the Belarusian broadcaster was also rejected by the organizer European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
In a statement, the EBU says that the second number does not comply with the rules. These prescribe, among other things, that an entry must not be too politically charged.
The first entry, the organizer said two weeks ago, clashed with “the apolitical character” of the festival. Belarusian national broadcaster initially nominated the band Golosy Zmesta (which can be translated as Voices with a meaning), which openly supports President Lukashenko’s regime.
“I will teach you to dance to the pipes, I will teach you to bite,” the foreman sings in the song. The country was given the opportunity by the EBU to submit a new entry or to adapt the song.
The national broadcaster sent a song from the same band, but that did not suffice either, says the organizer. The text of the new entry has not been disclosed. The extended deadline for a third entry has now passed.
The Eurovision Song Contest will take place this year on 18, 20 and 22 May.