Finance City Councillor Karin Wanngård says Stockholm is open to hosting the Eurovision Song Contest next year, but only if the financial conditions are right. However, opposition parties warn against repeating past mistakes.
With Sweden tipped as a favourite to win the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, the possibility of Stockholm hosting in 2026 is once again on the table. But Karin Wanngård, Finance City Councillor (Social Democrats), says it depends on logistics and cost.
Yes, we would be happy to do that, if the financial conditions are right. We are used to large events.
Venue availability could be a challenge. Both Avicii Arena and Strawberry Arena are booked far in advance. Wanngård noted that SVT, the Swedish national broadcaster, would need access to a venue for at least eight weeks.
Stockholm last hosted Eurovision in 2016, and previously in 1975 and 2000. Gothenburg and Malmö have already said no to hosting in 2026.
Opposition concerns
The opposition in City Hall is critical. Dennis Wedin (Moderates) accused Wanngård of pushing an “expensive and unfeasible” temporary arena proposal in 2016 that ultimately failed.
Now (S) must learn from its mistakes and quickly come up with a sustainable and economically responsible proposal.
Nike Örbrink (Christian Democrats) questioned the spending altogether, citing Stockholm’s external debt and struggling local services.
There are other things to spend the money on first.
The final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 takes place on 17 May in Basel, Switzerland. Sweden is represented by KAJ with Bara Bada Bastu.
