The head of Moldova's public broadcaster has resigned following a public outcry over the country's voting in the Eurovision Song Contest. Vlad Turcanu, director general of Moldovan Radio and Television, stepped down on Monday after hundreds of fans took to social media to criticise the jury's decision to award only three points to neighbouring Romania.
Moldova, which shares strong linguistic and cultural ties with Romania, saw its jury give the maximum 12 points to Poland, which finished 12th, and ten points to Israel. Viewers, whose votes are also considered, awarded 12 points to Romania's entry, Alexandra Capitanescu. The public also expressed outrage that the jury gave no points to Ukraine.
At a hastily-called news conference, Turcanu said: 'This was my decision. 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.'
The resignation highlights the influence of social media in Moldova, one of Europe's poorest countries. Its president has denounced Russia's invasion of Ukraine and vowed to join the European Union 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.'
Moldova's Eurovision entry, Satoshi, said the public support for Romania 'reflects the real opinion of our society.' The contest was also marked by boycotts from five countries over Israel's actions in Gaza, with Bulgaria ultimately declared the winner.
