In a city where a large part of Sweden’s population is of Palestinian origin, this conflict has added a new dimension.
At least half a dozen organizations filed a request to demonstrate against Israel’s presence in the contest, which was confirmed by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organizes it with Swedish public broadcaster SVT.
For the authorities of Malmö, 362,133 inhabitants – and 186 nationalities, the situation is under control.
“Security measures will be clearly visible for the various Eurovision-related programs,” assured the city’s security director Per-Erik Ebbeståhl at a press conference.
In particular, access controls will be strengthened to various locations where bags will mostly be banned, he said.
Why Stromae will also be at Eurovision next May
The police presence will be increased – without disclosing the number of agents mobilized – with reinforcements from Norway and Denmark and more heavily armed officers than usual.
“You will see police officers equipped with ordinary weapons, but also with heavier weapons,” said police chief Petra Stenkulla.
“We are not used to seeing them in Sweden and Malmö, but we are in a situation where we have to take precautions and have tools on hand that we might need in case of a serious incident,” she explained.
“In terms of security, it is extremely stable,” executive producer of the event for SVT Ebba Adielsson assured AFP.
“What scares me the most right now is that people are too afraid” to attend the event, she concluded.
More than 100,000 visitors are expected in Malmö for Eurovision in the week between 5 and 11 May.