Marcus and Martinus Gunnarsen as Sweden’s entry in the Eurovision Song Contest are receiving criticism:

Next week the stage is set for the huge music competition Eurovision Song Contest, which this year takes place in Malmö in Sweden. Each year, the competition must function as an inclusive music festival, without politics and disagreements being involved.

In Adresse Malmö on NRK, each of the contributions from the various countries is assessed in anticipation of the grand final next weekend. The contributions are also discussed here and given points.

Ban Palestinian flags

The program led by Marte Stokstad (45) is also visited by an unofficial jury consisting of famous faces, and this week it is Ingebjørg Bratland (33) and Are Kalvø (54) who are in the episode. Stian Thorbjørnsen (42), also known as Staysmann, and Ingeborg Heldal (50), are also featured weekly.

In the latest episode, the celebrities share their thoughts about this year’s Swedish entry in the final – the Norwegian duo Marcus and Martinus Gunnarsen.

– Jantelov piss

Several have reacted to the fact that Sweden is now sending the Norwegian artists, and that will also be a theme in the programme.

The twins from Trofors have a Swedish management and record company behind them, and gained increased popularity in the neighboring country after they climbed all the way to the top of the Swedish “Maskorama”. Last year they also came second in Melodifestivalen.

On Israel participation: – Double standards

Kalvø admires the production and talent in the Swedish contribution, but nevertheless points out that it lacks “distinctive character and originality”.

Bratland agrees with the statement, but Staysmann – who is well acquainted with the Gunnarsen brothers – compares them to another Norwegian icon.

– I’m getting a little incompetent. There are friends of mine here. I don’t know why, but I compare them a bit with Martin Ødegaard. He was a child star, and so are they here in Norway. He joined Real Madrid, and they were to conquer Europe with varying degrees of success. That happened to Martin too, says Thorbjørnsen and gives the highest score – 12 points.

This did not sit well with Heldal, who believes that the artist duo has failed Norway.

– But Martin Ødegaard plays for the Norwegian national team, someone has to say that. They have failed us in the worst way. It’s like Martin Ødegaard should have been captain of the Swedish national team, shouts Heldal in response.

However, Thorbjørnsen takes the twins in defence.

Breeds: – Cowardly and shameful

– I think it is Norway that has failed Marcus and Martinus. We cannot distance ourselves from the fact that they have been child stars. They don’t get to grow up. We sit like this: “Are they going to try their hand at Europe now?”. We see it as something silly. Jantelovpiss, which really provokes me.

The guests emphasize that they think it is a shame that Norway missed the opportunity to send the artist duo to the final, but wish them luck in the grand final.

Exclusion

This year – as in several other years – political conflict has nevertheless characterized the competition, and in recent years the war between Ukraine and Russia has had a major focus in the competition.

The conflict had consequences in the competition for Russia, which was banned in 2022 following a decision by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) as a result of the hostilities.

– Feels unnatural

After the war between Israel and Hamas broke out, several people demanded that Israel face the same consequences as Russia – that they be denied participation in the “non-political” music competition.

This week it was decided by the EBU, the European Broadcasting Union, that Palestinian flags will not be allowed. The ban applies to both Palestinian flags and signs with political messages.