The director general of Moldova's public broadcaster resigned after widespread social media backlash over the national jury's Eurovision vote, which awarded Romania just three points while televoters gave Romania 12. The jury gave 12 points to Poland and none to Ukraine; Bulgaria won the contest. Observers say the episode highlights social media's influence in Moldova and may prompt a review of jury selection and voting procedures.
Moldovan Public Broadcaster Chief Resigns After Social Media Outcry Over Eurovision Jury Vote
Satoshi, representing Moldova, performs "Viva, Moldova!" during the Grand Final of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, Austria, May 16, 2026. REUTERS/Lisa Leutner
Chisinau, May 18 — The director general of Moldova's public radio and television broadcaster resigned on Monday after widespread social media outrage over the national jury's voting in last weekend's Eurovision Song Contest.
Satoshi, representing Moldova, performs "Viva, Moldova!" during the Grand Final of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, Austria, May 16, 2026. REUTERS/Lisa Leutner
Hundreds of fans criticized the jury after it awarded only three points to neighbouring Romania, while televoters gave Romania the full 12 points. The jury — selected by the public broadcaster — awarded its top 12 points to Poland, which ultimately placed 12th, gave 10 points to Israel (which finished second) and awarded no points to Ukraine. Bulgaria was declared the contest winner. The event was further shadowed by boycotts from five countries over Israeli actions in Gaza.
Satoshi, representing Moldova, performs "Viva, Moldova!" during the Grand Final of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, Austria, May 16, 2026. REUTERS/Lisa Leutner
"This was my decision," said Vlad Turcanu, director general of Moldovan Radio and Television, at a hastily convened news conference. "We distanced ourselves from the jury's voting, but it is still our responsibility, my responsibility in the first instance, as head of this institution."
Satoshi, representing Moldova, performs "Viva, Moldova!" during the Grand Final of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, Austria, May 16, 2026. REUTERS/Lisa Leutner
Observers and public figures said the episode underlined the growing power of social media in Moldova, one of Europe's poorest countries, whose president has condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine and pledged to seek European Union membership by 2030.
Former defence minister Anatol Salaru wrote on Facebook: "The only thing that matters is votes by ordinary people. This was a vote among brothers. The rest is unimportant detail." Moldova's entrant, Satoshi, also said the public's strong support for Romania "reflects the real opinion of our society."
The sharp split between jury and televoting — a recurring flashpoint in Eurovision's mixed voting system — sparked intense online debate in Moldova and is likely to prompt renewed scrutiny of how juries are selected and how broadcasters handle the process.
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