Moldova’s public TV chief has resigned after mass protests, online backlash and even criticism from the president after the country’s Eurovision jury awarded neighbor Romania just three points.
Vlad Turcanu, director general of Teleradio-Moldova (TRM), made the announcement at a news conference on Monday. “This was my decision,” he said.
“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,” he added.
His resignation followed anger over the split between Moldova’s jury and televoters during Saturday’s Eurovision final. Moldova’s televoters awarded Romania, represented by Alexandra Capitanescu who came third, a full 12 points, while the jury gave its neighbor a measly three.
However, Romania gave Moldova 10 points in the jury vote, and 12 points in the televote.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu praised Moldovans for “showing the highest appreciation” for Romania’s entry and said the spat should not affect bilateral relations. Moldova was part of Romania until 1940 and relations are good between Bucharest and Chisinau.
Moldova’s jury, picked by national broadcaster awarded 12 points to Poland, which finished 12th, and 10 points to Israel, who were 5the runners-up in Saturday’s contest.
Viewers were also unhappy that the jury awarded no points to Ukraine, while the televoters gave 10 points.
Former defence minister Anatol Salaru criticised the jury vote in a Facebook post, writing: “The only thing that matters is votes by ordinary people,” adding: “This was a vote among brothers. The rest is an unimportant detail.”
Moldova’s entry, Satoshi, commented on the high level of support for Romania, saying it “reflects the real opinion of our society”.
Eurovision participation is managed by national broadcasters, which select juries and handle compliance with European Broadcasting Union rules.
Leadership changes at public broadcasters can become politically sensitive in smaller European states where media independence is closely watched.
Five countries boycotted the contest this year over Israel’s participation. Bulgaria was declared the winner.
