The Prime Minister of Luxembourg has spoken about his countries return to Eurovision, with just days to go until its selection for Eurovision 2024 is announced.
Prime Minister Xavier Bettel, who is also the Minister for Communications and Media, spoke to RTL about the nation’s return to Eurovision. Speaking with the outlet he believes that Eurovision provides the opportunity for Luxembourg to raise its international visibility, as well as develop its creative and music industries.
In addition, Mr. Bettel confirmed that should Luxembourg win on its return in 2024, the country is ready to host the 2025 contest. Mr. Bettel is of the view that hosting the competition would be positive for Luxembourg offering great potential for tourism to the country.
Speaking regarding Luxembourg’s participant in Eurovision 2024, the Prime Minister revealed new details ahead of an announcement on July 3. He explained that the representative must have “a Luxembourgish cultural background,”. This comment implies that singers from outside of Luxembourg may be able to represent the country in Sweden.
Earlier last month, the EBU confirmed that Luxembourg will return to the Eurovision Song Contest in 2024. This will be their first time competing in the contest since 1993. RTL Luxembourg have been confirmed to be broadcasting the live shows, and will select the act to represent them at next year’s contest.
Luxembourg began competing in Eurovision back in 1956, at the very first contest in Lugano, Switzerland. During their initial run, they were one of the most successful countries in the contest, with a total of 5 wins. They withdrew following the 1993 contest, following their relegation after a string of poor results. They last came close to participating in 2004.
Image source: BBC | Source: RTL
Luxembourg was one of seven countries to take part in the first Eurovision Song Contest in 1956. Luxembourg participated in the contest a total of 37 times before withdrawing from the contest after 1993. During these 37 years, they won the contest five times, the last of these victories came in 1983. Luxembourg came close to returning to the contest in 2004, however, opted against it due to the financial cost of participating.
