Credit crunch arrives in Eurovisionland!

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Well, it looks like the Eurovision does operate in the real world! Even though San Marino, Lithuania and Latvia had stated their intentions to participate in the 2009 contest, it looks like the credit crunch has finally started biting at the door of Eurovision.

Earlier rumours surrounding the Russia-Georgia situation had given rise to doubts over Latvia and Lithuania's participation anyway, but this week's news stories make great pains to state that it is all about the lack of funds.

It seems that San Marino have confirmed their withdrawal and it seems to have been accepted. There's no further news from Lithuania, but Latvia confirmed that they had made a request for a withdrawal. However, some news sites seem to think that the EBU may look towards helping out the Latvian broadcaster with a payment plan or similar.

Even though I always look forward to hearing the Latvian and Lithuanian entries each year, I hope that the EBU keep it nice and simple. Not enough money = no entry. Otherwise, they will be digging a big hole for themselves!

Anyway, if all three do withdraw, let's hope that the credit crunch is over soon and they'll have enough money again soon to participate!

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