Cultural journalist Jussi Lehmusvesi reports that if the blocks fall into place, Yle may still have to rely on the contingency plan. A unique game of chairs seems to have developed in Finland regarding the Eurovision, where the decision of the previous “player” always influences the next one. The war in Gaza has made the UMK winner, Windows95man, hesitate to participate in the competition. As a result, backup plans have been made by Yleisradio in case of Windows95man’s refusal. Here are the possible scenarios:
1. Israel participates, and so does Windows95: It seems unlikely that the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) will change its decision on Israel. In that case, Windows95 (also known as Teemu Keisteri) and his pair of horns Henri Piispanen may decide to participate.
2. The EBU decides to ban Israel, and Windows95 leaves jubilantly: The international pressure against Israel has been increasing, and the situation in Gaza might force the EBU to change its decision. The EBU has justified its decision by saying that Eurovision is a competition between broadcasting companies, not governments.
3. Israel participates, and Windows95 refuses: If Windows95 refuses the honor, Yle’s backup plan will be activated, providing the opportunity for the runner-up in the UMK final, Sara Siipola.
4. Sara Siipola agrees despite Israel: It is not certain that Siipola will agree as he has expressed his shock at the situation in Gaza. He has not yet made a firm decision to participate, even if he wins the competition.
5. Siipola also refuses, and Mikael Gabriel takes the job: If Siipola also refuses, the backup plan of the backup plan would start in Yle. That would mean that the UMK producer Anssi Autio would offer the opportunity to Mikael Gabriel, who came third in the race.
Even now, the first scenario is definitely the most likely, which makes the fifth the most unlikely. However, as a current song suggests, life is sometimes lived without rules.
