Intervision returns in 2025 amid politics ^{CEFR B2}

Song contests that started as cultural events are now closely linked to politics, and the revival of Intervision highlights that shift. Many festivals, including Eurovision, the ABU TV Song Festival and Viña del Mar, face political readings of their entries. Organisers and performers increasingly find their choices interpreted as signals about values, identity and governance.

In September 2025 Russia announced plans to revive Intervision. Officials describe the project as independent and apolitical. Alexander Alimov told TASS: “Intervision was never intended as a counterweight to Eurovision, although there are certainly differences. Our contest carries no political undertones. We are seeking a unifying language based on such values as mutual respect, cultural sovereignty, and equality.” Yet observers and parts of the media note clear resemblances to Eurovision in the contest’s name, host selection, visual style and overall design. Given that Russia has been banned from Eurovision since the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine in 2022, many view the revival in the context of that exclusion.

Historical broadcasts remind viewers that Intervision emerged in the 1970s as a counterpart within the socialist bloc and that the Sopot event was an important stage for performers from Eastern Europe and allied nations. The Sopot contest stopped in 1981 after an independent trade union movement prompted other governments to judge the situation counter-revolutionary. Recent programmes have also shown moments that invited commentary about culture and ideology meeting, for example a singer’s English line — “About love — whoever you love” — which was translated into Russian in a way some saw as avoiding the more controversial meanings. Social media responses ranged from praise for a sober visual style to explicit remarks about the absence of rainbow flags. Organisers and supporters say Intervision may offer a different perspective and a form of cultural dialogue, but many argue the contest will inherit the historical and political context that shaped earlier festivals.