Russia Plans to Revive "Intervision" as an Alternative to "Eurovision"

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree to hold an international music contest "Intervision" in Moscow. This move is seen as an attempt to create an alternative to the "Eurovision" competition, from which Russia was excluded in 2022 following the outbreak of military actions in Ukraine, reports NewsBox.

"Intervision," originally a Soviet counterpart to "Eurovision," is being planned as a platform to promote "traditional humanistic, spiritual, and family values," in contrast, according to Russian authorities, to the perceived decline of Western culture. Unlike "Eurovision," which often supports LGBTQ+ themes and performers, "Intervision" will follow a more conservative approach, writes Reuters.

According to available documents, participants in the contest will not be allowed to perform songs that contain calls for violence, demean societal dignity, or touch on political topics.

Russia currently enforces strict laws prohibiting "propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations," and the international LGBTQ+ movement is considered an extremist organization.

It is expected that the "Intervision" contest will include participants from countries "friendly" to Russia, such as China, Cuba, Brazil, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Belarus.

The organizers promise that the competition will be open to all willing countries, as long as they respect "the cultural, ethical, and religious traditions of other peoples of the world." Participants will have up to four minutes for a live performance in any language. The winner will receive a monetary prize and the opportunity to embark on a concert tour.

The idea to revive "Intervision" arose among Russian authorities following the victory of Austrian drag queen Conchita Wurst at "Eurovision 2014," which was perceived in Russia as a sign of Western decadence.