Security measures have been increased at the highest level Sweden in view of the conduct of its competition Eurovision, in Malmö. Apart from the risk of a terrorist attack, the Swedish authorities will have to deal with large demonstrations planned for the same period.

Israel’s participation in the competition is gathering the most reactions, due to the war in Gaza. Sweden was already facing increased security challenges and Malmö is expecting one of the biggest police operations ever.

About 100,000 visitors are going to travel to Malme for the world’s largest live music competition.

Colorful Eurovision banners decorate many of the city’s streets and it is the third time that Malmö has hosted, after the Swedish artist Lorraine won last year’s contest in Liverpool, with the hit song Tattoo.

The festive schedule kicks off on Saturday, with semi-finals next Tuesday and Thursday, culminating in the grand final on May 11. Around 200 million viewers worldwide are expected to tune in for the four-hour spectacle.

In terms of security, forces have been deployed from across Sweden, with reinforcements from neighboring Denmark and Norway. Swedish police are usually armed, but some officers will carry larger weapons as a precaution.

Malmö police chief Petra Stenkula said the entire country was already “at terror level 4, with the highest being at 5”.