Eurovision 2026: San Marino Threatens to Pull the Plug – Is This the End of La Serenissima on Stage?
San Marino, the plucky microstate that has become an unexpected cult favourite at the Eurovision Song Contest, might be preparing to take its final bow – and not as part of a dramatic key change.
In a revelation worthy of a soap opera finale, Roberto Sergio, General Director of San Marino RTV (and, for those keeping score, also the head honcho at RAI), has hinted that the republic may sit out Eurovision 2026. The reason? A curious blend of scepticism over televote transparency, mounting costs, and – dare we say – musical heartbreak.
«The situation seemed anything but clear,» Sergio told Il Sole 24 Ore, raising eyebrows across the continent. «There was little transparency in the televoting, the jury votes, the results. Under these conditions, we are seriously considering not participating in future editions.»
San Marino’s 2025 campaign, launched with fanfare and the song Tutta l’Italia by superstar DJ Gabry Ponte, finished a humbling 26th with just 27 points. Not exactly the fairy tale ending they had in mind.
From Fan Favourite to Festival Fatigue
Despite being a nation with fewer citizens than a London borough, San Marino has always punched above its weight in Eurovision drama – from bringing in international stars like Flo Rida to giving niche bops their moment in the spotlight.
But now, according to Sergio, even patriotism might not be enough to justify the expense. While he insists the broadcaster closed the year with a small profit, achieved through «efficiencies and new advertising revenues», there’s no blank cheque for future glories. “We aim to raise nearly 2 million euros by the end of 2025,” he adds – presumably not via televoting hotlines.
Is Eurovision Ready to Lose Its Smallest Giant?
The threat is real. If San Marino walks away, Eurovision loses not just a country, but a slice of its eccentric soul – the kind that enters a power ballad with a wind machine, a glitter cannon, and a prayer.
No official withdrawal has been confirmed yet, and with ORF (Austrian broadcaster) playing its cards close to its chest regarding the 2026 host city, San Marino still has time to change its mind.
But one thing is clear: if they do leave, the void will be felt not just in the scoreboard, but in the hearts of those who cheer for the underdog – especially when it arrives dressed in sequins and defiance.
Source: Il sole 24 ore
