The authorities of Sweden's third largest city expect 100,000. fans of the Eurovision Song Contest. Malmö promotes itself as a city of openness, cultural diversity and sustainable development. “Our residents from 180 countries welcome guests from 80 countries around the world,” emphasized Malmö's coordinator for Eurovision 2024 Karin Karlsson.
As Karlsson told PAP, Poles are among the top ten nationalities who bought tickets in the audience at the Malmö Arena in the Hyllie district. The most expected arrivals are Swedes (34%), followed by Britons, Danes, Germans and Americans.
However, this year's Eurovision final takes place in the shadow of threats. In an internal report quoted by the Swedish television SVT, the police identified ensuring security in connection with the reported demonstrations, which may attract 20,000 people, as a challenge. people.
The document identifies terrorism as another risk associated with a mass event, which includes free outdoor concerts in the park. Sweden has been at the fourth high risk level on a five-point scale since August last year. In the fall, two Swedish fans wearing national team shirts were killed in an attack in Brussels.
The streets of the city are maintained by uniformed officers armed with long weapons. Part of the city resembles a fortress, in some sectors you cannot carry bags or backpacks. A ban on drone flights over the city has been introduced, with the only exception being the police, who thus supervise the development of the situation.
Organized crime, including gang fights reported in the media, raises concerns. On the night from Sunday to Monday, there was an explosion in front of a block of flats in the Kirseberg district. A grenade was probably planted there.
According to the police, Eurovision may involve cyberattacks, disinformation and attempts to hijack the television signal.
At the same time, the services ensure that you can feel safe in Malmö. “We are prepared for various scenarios,” he assured Per Engstroem from the Swedish Police Headquarters.
In Tuesday's semi-final, the stage will feature, among others: representative of Poland Luna (“The Tower”)considered among the main favorites of the entire competition Baby Lasagna from Croatia (“Rim Tim Tags Dim”) and a duet Jerry Heil and Alyona Alyona from Ukraine (“Teresa & Maria”)and Silvester Belt from Lithuania (“Luktelk”), Bambie Thug from Ireland (“Doomsday Blue”) and Windows95man from Finland (“No Rules!”).