As France gears up for Eurovision 2026, the country finds itself facing a legal controversy tied to the 2023 Junior Eurovision Song Contest. French media report that a criminal investigation launched in August 2024 is probing France Télévisions and local authorities in Nice over allegations of misuse of public funds, conflicts of interest, and document forgery.
The probe centers on the Nice municipality’s decision to allocate approximately €605,000 for the 2023 contest and the appointment of journalist Laura Tenoudji—wife of Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi—as host of the opening ceremony. Investigators are examining whether this constituted a breach of administrative procedures and whether undue benefits were granted between public officials who are married.
Among those questioned is France Télévisions president Delphine Ernotte-Cunci, as authorities investigate the potential illegal use of state funds. Police have also carried out raids at the offices of both the national broadcaster and the municipality of Nice, seizing documents as evidence.
The investigation brings into focus broader tensions between local governance and national public broadcasting bodies. France Télévisions, a state-run broadcaster representing the country in both adult and junior Eurovision contests, is now at the heart of a growing scandal.
French media and commentators have raised concerns over the ethical implications of the mayor’s involvement and his wife’s on-camera role. “Is this a professional appointment, or a clear case of favoritism?” questioned French outlets. The national broadcaster defended the decision, stating:
“Laura Tenoudji is an experienced journalist who has worked with the broadcaster for over 20 years.”
However, the ongoing legal inquiry has not accepted this explanation, and scrutiny continues.
From a wider perspective, such a situation is rare in the context of Junior Eurovision. Although the contest does not command the same public attention as its adult counterpart, it has become a platform for innovation in broadcasting and a symbol of cultural diplomacy. The involvement of political figures in organizational decisions has prompted a debate on ethics and the use of public money, especially for an event that emphasizes education, inclusivity, and youth.
France Télévisions acknowledged the sensitivity of the issue, stating:
“The event undermines trust in the French broadcasting body, especially as it is seen as a leader in the Junior Eurovision arena.”
Implications for the Future
While the short-term impact on France’s Eurovision involvement appears minimal—the 2025 edition is already in preparation—this case may lead to tighter scrutiny over the selection of host cities and the financial conduct of public broadcasters in the future.
Eurovision has long been more than a music competition; it reflects questions of national representation, public trust, and political influence, particularly in youth-focused formats like Junior Eurovision.
Looking Ahead to Junior Eurovision 2025
The upcoming Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2025, the 23rd edition of the EBU event, will take place on December 13th in Tbilisi, Georgia, at the Olympic Palace. Hosted by Georgian national broadcaster GPB, this follows Georgia’s victory in 2024 with the song “To My Mom” by Andria Putkaradze.
This is Georgia’s second time hosting the contest, after first doing so in 2017. While winners are not obligated to host, Georgia exercised its right of first refusal—a privilege granted since 2019—and was officially confirmed by the EBU in May 2025 following a complicated approval process.
This year’s edition is expected to include 14 countries: Poland, Spain, Croatia, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Ireland, Malta, Ukraine, Italy, Portugal, San Marino, Montenegro, Georgia, and Albania. Croatia and Montenegro return after years of absence, while Germany, the United Kingdom, and Israel have opted not to participate.
The show will be broadcast live across Europe, including via national public channels and the official Junior Eurovision YouTube channel.