Controversies at Eurovision 2026, after the jury from Moldova awarded only 3 points to Romania

A wave of reactions erupted in the Republic of Moldova after the jury awarded only 3 points to Romania in the Eurovision contest, while the public gave the maximum score. Rita Druță, the presenter of the jury's score, stated that she had a "shock reaction" upon hearing the results, rhetorically asking if it was a joke.

The Moldovan jury preferred to give the maximum score to Poland, which generated dissatisfaction among Eurovision fans. Vlad Țurcanu, the director of Teleradio-Moldova, acknowledged the surprise caused by the jury's decision and thanked the public for their support of Romania. Expert Daniel Vodă emphasized that, although the jury gave a controversial result, the public's vote was correct, accumulating 15 points for Romania. Romania secured 3rd place in the final, while the Republic of Moldova ranked 8th, and Bulgaria won the competition.