They said the decision is in the public’s best interest (Picture: REX/Getty)
North Macedonia will not take part in next year’s Eurovision Song Contest in order to save money on electricity bills.
The country’s state broadcaster announced the news following the reveal of Liverpool as Eurovision 2023’s host city.
MRT announced in a statement: ‘Due to the economic and energy crisis and high costs, [North] Macedonia will not participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2023, which will be held in May in Liverpool, UK.’
In a message posted on its website, they elaborated to explain how the decision was made ‘in the best interest’ of the country’s citizens.
‘The decision is in the best interest of the public, given the increased costs due to the energy crisis, which take up a large part of the budget for public services,’ they said.
It said the savings would come from not paying the registration fee, which was expected to be higher than the 39,000 euros (£34,000) charged last year.
North Macedonia were represented by Andrea with Circles this year (Picture: WireImage)
This will mark the first time North Macedonia has not taken part in the televised event since its independence from the former Yugoslavia in 1991.
Prior to declaring independence, North Macedonia competed as part of Yugoslavia and within the Yuglosav pre-selection for Eurovision.
After gaining independence in 1991, North Macedonia tried to enter the 1996 contest with Kaliopi’s song, Samo ti, but they failed to qualify.
The country returned in 1998, as Vlado Janevski entered with Ne zori, zoro.
It’s safe to say North Macedonia has endured quite a rollercoaster ride throughout its time competing in Eurovision.
The country has had its fair share of ups and downs over the years when it comes to Eurovision (Picture: Robin Utrecht/REX/Shutterstock)
There’s still hope for them to return in 2024 (Picture: IBL/REX/Shutterstock)
Entrants only placed in the top 10 once, with their best result being in 2019 with Tamara Todevska’s ballad, Proud, which scored 305 points and placed seventh.
As for 2022, North Macedonia entered Andrea with Circles.
Competing in Turin, Italy, she missed out on a place in the final, placing 11th with 76 points in the second semi final.
But, not all hope is lost, as North Macedonia’s withdrawal is ‘valid for this year,’ so there is hope that they will return for Eurovision 2024.
Liverpool will host Eurovision 2023 on behalf of winners Ukraine (Picture: Getty/Eurovision)
Kalush Orchestra triumphed in 2022, beating UK entry Sam Ryder to the trophy (Picture: Getty)
For remaining entries, the grand final of Eurovision 2023 will be held at the Liverpool Arena on May 13.
Liverpool triumphed over Glasgow and also beat potential host cities Newcastle, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, and Sheffield, with Graham Norton confirming the news to delighted scousers this month.
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The city will host the music extravaganza in honour of war-stricken Ukraine, after Kalush Orchestra triumphed in this year’s event.
Details, such as hosts and ticket sale times, are being kept under wraps for now, but we have no doubt it’ll be a night to remember.
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They hope to return in 2024.