Russia revives intervision to counter Eurovision exclusion
According to RIA, the Russian news agency, after being excluded from Eurovision, Russia, led by Vladimir Putin, has decided to revive Intervision, a musical competition from the Soviet era. The goal is to promote Russian culture and unite countries sympathetic to Russia.
Intervision has its roots in the 1960s and 1970s when it took place in Czechoslovakia and replaced the International Song Festival in Sopot. The contemporary edition holds particular significance following Russia's exclusion from Eurovision.
Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko has been appointed the chairperson of this year's Intervision organising committee. Sergei Kiriyenko is overseeing preparations to ensure organisational efficiency.
Russia revives Intervision after being excluded from Eurovision
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov informed that over 25 countries, including some from Latin America, have expressed interest in participating in the competition. Mikhail Shvydkoi, Vladimir Putin's special representative for cultural cooperation, added that nearly 20 countries have already confirmed their participation.
The aim of reviving Intervision is to help rebuild Russia's cultural position on the international stage. Russia won Eurovision in 2008 when Dima Bilan triumphed with the song "Believe".
Although Intervision was only revived once in 2008, the current plans aim to permanently restore the competition as an alternative to Eurovision, potentially affecting Russia's international image. At that time, countries such as Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Georgia, and Armenia participated. The official list of countries joining Intervision will be announced soon.
