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Putin revives Soviet-era rival to Eurovision after Russia banned from contest

Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to relaunch Intervision to uphold "family values". (Reuters: Sputnik/Vladimir Astapkovich)

In short:

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree ordering the revival of the Intervision Song Contest, a Soviet-era competition which was considered the communist response to Eurovision.

A number of countries, including China, Cuba, Brazil and Kazakhstan are expected to also take part.

Documents suggest Intervision will focus on "traditional universal, spiritual and family values".

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a revival of the Soviet-era alternative to the Eurovision Song Contest, Intervision, which he claimed will counter the decadence of modern Western culture.

Mr Putin signed the decree on Monday, ordering the Intervision Song Contest be held in Moscow this year.

China, Cuba, Brazil and former Soviet republics such as Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Belarus are expected to take part.

The original Intervision was launched in the 1960s as the USSR's alternative to Eurovision.

In ordering the contest's revival, Mr Putin told senior Kremlin and government officials to prepare for the event. 

Mr Putin has increasingly sought to cast Russia as the defender of traditional family values and says the West has lost its moral moorings in the pursuit of what he sees as excessive individualism and a lack of respect for religious traditions.

Putin revives Soviet-era rival to Eurovision after Russia banned from contest

Russia was banned from Eurovision in 2022 over its invasion of Ukraine. (AFP: Jessica Gow)

In contrast to Eurovision, which often celebrates LGBT+ themes and performers, Intervision will strike a more sober tone, according to documents seen by news agency Reuters, stressing respect for "traditional universal, spiritual and family values".

"The contest will be open for participation of all countries that wish to do so," the planning documents said.

"Artists may not perform songs that call for violence, humiliate the honour and dignity of society, and it is required that political themes in the lyrics are completely excluded."

Participants must "respect cultural, ethical and religious traditions of other peoples of the world".

In recent years, Russia has introduced stringent rules banning anything deemed to promote homosexuality.

The Russian government deems the international LGBTQ+ movement an extremist organisation.

According to the documents seen by Reuters, performers will have up to four minutes to sing their song live in whatever language they like. 

The winner of the contest will receive prize money and the opportunity to go on tour.

Reuters

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