Full Breakdown
Moldovan Public Broadcaster Chief Resigns Over Eurovision Jury Vote
5/19/2026, 6:43:45 AM
Resignation After Eurovision Jury Controversy
On 18 May 2026, Vlad Turcanu announced his resignation as director general of Teleradio-Moldova (TRM), accepting responsibility for the national jury’s Eurovision 2026 vote that gave Romania three points and Ukraine none, contrary to a public televote that awarded Romania twelve points. The decision followed street protests in Chisinau and online criticism.
Context, Key Actors, and Timeline
Moldova, linked to Romania, follows Eurovision closely. The final was held on 16 May 2026 in Vienna. The TRM-appointed jury awarded 12 points to Poland, 10 to Israel, 3 to Romania and none to Ukraine; the public vote gave 12 points to Romania and 10 to Moldova. TRM released a statement on 17 May asserting jury independence; Turcanu resigned on 18 May.
Voting Results and Public Reaction
The jury’s 12-Poland, 10-Israel, 3-Romania, 0-Ukraine tally starkly differed from the televote’s 12-Romania and strong Ukrainian support. Hundreds of fans voiced outrage online and protests erupted in Chisinau.
Official Statements & Institutional Response
TRM’s 17 May release declared the jury’s decisions “completely independent and not reflecting the broadcaster’s editorial stance.” Turcanu framed his exit as a “clear signal” of unchanged ties with Romania and gratitude to Ukraine.
Criticism & Opposition
Social-media users and former officials decried the jury’s low Romanian score and zero for Ukraine, insisting the public vote should dominate. Former Defence Minister Anatol Salaru wrote, “The only thing that matters is votes by ordinary people.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
One source cites “mass public protests,” another mentions “hundreds of fans” online; no source details jury-selection criteria.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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.” — Vlad Turcanu, Director General, Teleradio-Moldova
- “This was a vote among brothers. The rest is unimportant detail.” — Anatol Salaru, former Defence Minister
- “Our attitude towards Ukraine is not zero, and our feeling for Romania can only be a feeling of love,” — Vlad Turcanu, Director General, Teleradio-Moldova
- “The decisions of the national jury — which also included the institution’s deputy director general, Andrei Zapsa — are completely independent and do not reflect the official or editorial position of the company, the TRM statement reads.” — Teleradio-Moldova (official statement)
Why It Matters
The episode highlights the influence of social media on public institutions in Moldova, a low-income EU candidate, and underscores the sensitivity of its cultural affinity with Romania and support for Ukraine amid regional tensions.
What Lies Ahead
Turcanu will submit his resignation to TRM’s Supervisory Council, which must appoint a successor. The broadcaster will continue its operations pending the appointment.
