Now LIVE: Grand Reception at the Chancellor's for Eurovision Song Contest Winner JJ

Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker welcomed Eurovision Song Contest winner JJ along with Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler, Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger, and State Secretary for Tourism Elisabeth Zehetner at the Federal Chancellery.

Chancellor Stocker Thanks ESC Winner JJ "for a Very Beautiful Night"

"It was a very beautiful day for all of us, actually a very beautiful night," the Chancellor thanked JJ. His victory underscores one thing above all: "The diversity of Austrian art and culture, the connection of classical with modern music." After all, art and culture are part of Austria's identity. Therefore, he personally looks forward to the Austrian ESC next year: "I am convinced that it will also have economic significance beyond art and culture."

When asked, the Chancellor emphasized that an ESC in Austria would not fail due to money: "We are one of the richest countries in the world." At the same time, he did not want to preempt any decisions and was also surprised that this discussion was being held at this point in time. Now, the joy over the victory is in the foreground. Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer (SPÖ) expressed a similar sentiment on the sidelines of a press event in his department. As he understands it, there will be a month of celebration, and then discussions will take place on how the event will be organized. It is clear: "Austria as an economy can of course afford it." That the event will be financed is "obvious."

Foreign Minister Meinl-Reisinger Thanks ESC Winner JJ for "Tired Eye"

"It filled an entire country with pride - and for that, truly, thank you from the heart," Foreign Minister Meinl-Reisinger referred to the socio-political dimension of the ESC victory. She herself was "with a somewhat tired eye" at the Pope's inauguration mass in Rome thanks to JJ - having streamed the ESC in the hotel beforehand.

Vice Chancellor Thanks ESC Winner JJ for "Collective Joy"

Media Minister Babler struck the same chord: "It's nice that we can collectively celebrate in Austria. We all have a bit of a feeling that we have won." Accordingly, it is certain for him: "I am very convinced that we will organize an incredibly great event next year." Tourism State Secretary Elisabeth Zehetner (ÖVP) posed the question: "How can we carry this momentum, this optimism, this drive forward?" After all, the value creation of the mega event should not be underestimated: "Now it's our turn, now we have to show what we can do."

After ESC Victory: Marterbauer Thanks with Humor

Finance Minister Markus Marterbauer (SPÖ) humorously congratulated on the victory via social media by sharing a satirical post from the "Tagespresse" with a photo of him and the caption "So that Austria doesn't have to host the expensive ESC 2026: Marterbauer calls Sweden 3,000 times" with his own line "apparently wasn't enough..."

Lafer Thanks with Invitation for ESC Winner JJ to Dinner

Austrian TV chef Johann Lafer, meanwhile, offered in the German radio show "Das große SWR3 Grillen" to cook for his compatriot for free together with YouTuber Sally Özcan: "You don't have to pay us." The menu could include spare ribs, allegedly JJ's favorite dish. For dessert, there will be Kaiserschmarrn.

However, JJ will not have much time to eat for the time being, as the ESC winner is already a guest on Tuesday in the new edition of "Willkommen Österreich" with Stermann and Grissemann, before he will be heard on June 6 and 7 as part of the "Starnacht am Neusiedler See" in Mörbisch.

"There can hardly be a more beautiful sign of leading the great past into an equally great modernity," congratulated Alexander Dumreicher-Ivanceanu as chairman of the Music Industry Association via a release in the Chamber of Commerce on the victory.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.