The first group of artists Eurovision 2024 began rehearsals on Saturday, closed to the public, on stage at the Malmö Arena in the Hyllie district. In addition to the two qualifying stages (May 7 and 9) and the final concert (May 11), many other places have prepared accompanying events from May 4.
According to estimates, the mayor of Malmö Katrin Stjernfeldt Jammeh 100,000 are expected in the city. Eurovision fans. Meanwhile, demonstrations have been announced during the competition in connection with participation Eden Golan (check!), representative of Israel. It is estimated that up to 20,000 people will take part in the protests – described as peaceful. people.
The issue of security in Malmö is causing considerable concern in Israel. According to the Times of Israel website, Israel's National Security Council issued recommendations for Eurovision fans planning to go to Sweden, who were advised not to show their country's flags.
However, the Israeli representative is not to leave the hotel. In recent weeks, many Israeli media publications have portrayed Malmö as a city where a quarter of the population is Muslim and where Jews feel unsafe and are forced to cover the Stars of David.
The Swedish police announced that they will strengthen Malmö's security with officers from other parts of the country, and police officers from Denmark and Norway will also arrive. Places in detention centers are being released; The 30 people detained there will be transferred to Gothenburg. Another security measure introduced is the setting of the so-called mobile surveillance cameras. As reported, there will be closed zones in Malmö, accessible only to the public. You should also expect to be checked, and in many places you will not be allowed to carry backpacks or bags.
Previously, demonstrations in connection with the Eurovision festival took place in Malmö in front of the City Hall. The city authorities rejected a citizens' petition condemning Israel, emphasizing that the local government cannot conduct foreign policy. Similar demonstrations also took place in front of the headquarters of the organizer of this edition of the competition, the Swedish public broadcaster SVT. In March, unknown perpetrators destroyed the Eurovision banner displayed on the hotel where the festival participants would be staying with red paint.
In the latest bookmakers' quotes, Eden Golan with a song “Hurricane” is among the favorites (currently 7th in the ranking). The Swiss representative has the most chances Nemo (“The Code”), which overtakes Baby Lasagna from Croatia (“Rim Tim Tags Dim”) i Joost Klein from the Netherlands (“Europapa”). Glow From Poland (“The Tower”) is in 28th place out of 37 countries taking part in this year's Eurovision Song Contest.
Eden Golan (will appear in the second semi-final – May 9) should have no problems with advancing to the grand final.