Russia relaunches Intervision after Eurovision exit
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 70s, when it took place in Czechoslovakia and replaced the International Song Festival in Sopot. The contemporary edition is of particular significance following Russia's exclusion from Eurovision.
Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko has been appointed as the chairperson of this year's Intervision organizing committee. Sergei Kiriyenko is overseeing the preparations to ensure organizational efficiency.
Russia revives Intervision after being excluded from Eurovision
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced 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
The aim of reviving Intervision is to help restore Russia's cultural standing on the international stage. Russia celebrated a Eurovision victory in 2008 when Dima Bilan won with the song "Believe".
Though Intervision was revived only once in 2008, current plans aim to re-establish the contest permanently as an alternative to Eurovision, which could affect Russia's global image. At that time, countries such as Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Georgia, and Armenia participated in the contest. The official list of countries participating in Intervision is expected to be announced soon.
