Security requirements before the ESC: “There could be unrest”

– The security is very high, announces the municipal police Goran Holmberg in front of 180 business people – from hotel and restaurant owners to real estate companies, when they are informed by the police and the city of Malmö on Wednesday. It is about those who operate out on Hyllie – the area where the arena is located and the competition is housed.

This year’s Eurovision is decided in the shadow of the Gaza war and many have called for boycotts so that Israel can participate. Extensive demonstrations and thousands of visitors are expected. The event in Malmö, which runs from 4–11 May, is among the absolute largest in Sweden this year.

The security work is massive – because in addition to the music competition, the situation around the world is troubled and Sweden has a high terror threat level. Göran Holmberg urges anyone who sees something suspicious to contact the police.

– But we have nothing to indicate anything at the moment, he says regarding the possible threat picture.

– There will be many of us from the police.

Polarization affects

During the same meeting with local entrepreneurs concerned Ulf Nilssonhead of security in the city of Malmö, also the fact that the competition is surrounded by a strong polarization that can affect the party atmosphere.

– But Malmö is a place where you can express yourself and live side by side. You don’t have to take a stand.

When prime minister Ulf Kristersson (M) visited a youth home outside Stockholm later on Wednesday, he spoke about the artist defection and its relation to the security situation.

“Are fully prepared”

– Artists can decide whether they want to participate or not. How individual artists do is entirely up to them. However, we are very keen to keep track of the entire security situation in Malmö, he says.

Both the police and the Security Police (Säpo) have informed the government of their preparations.

– They say that they are aware of the situation, but they do not rule out that there may also be unrest. They are fully prepared for that.