'Watershed' for Georgia as Voters choose between Russia and west
The Guardian|October 26, 2024
Georgians will vote today in a critical election that could determine whether one of the once most pro-western former Soviet states will veer towards a more authoritarian, Russia-aligned path.
Piotr Sauer
'Watershed' for Georgia as Voters choose between Russia and west

For the past three decades, Georgia – a nation of 3.6 million people nestled in the Caucasus mountains – has maintained strong pro-western aspirations, with polls showing that up to 80% of its residents favour joining the European Union.

In recent years, however, the government, led by the populist Georgian Dream (GD) party, has shifted away from the west in favour of Russia, showing reluctance to condemn Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine.

The parliamentary elections are seen by many as the most important since independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, said Kornely Kakachia, the director of the Georgian Institute of Politics.

"This is a watershed moment that will determine whether the country becomes a sovereign democracy integrated with the west or falls back into Russia's sphere of influence," he said in an interview in the capital, Tbilisi.

GD, which has been in power since 2012, was founded by the shadowy billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, who made his fortune in Russia in the 1990s and is viewed by many friends and foes as Georgia's most powerful figure even though he has not held public office for more than a decade.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة October 26, 2024 من The Guardian.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة October 26, 2024 من The Guardian.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من THE GUARDIAN مشاهدة الكل
Patience finally snapped at Old Trafford after bosses grew tired of the excuses
The Guardian

Patience finally snapped at Old Trafford after bosses grew tired of the excuses

There were plenty of times over the past 14 months when sacking Erik ten Hag would have been justified but Manchester United clung on in the hope he could somehow turn things around.

time-read
3 mins  |
October 29, 2024
Ten Hag saga is major black eye for Ineos as United's brand is dying
The Guardian

Ten Hag saga is major black eye for Ineos as United's brand is dying

Ratcliffe now has a hugely important decision if his club are to stop being a fading heritage exhibition

time-read
5 mins  |
October 29, 2024
The Guardian

Taking United job would be enormous risk for Amorim

job would be enormous risk for Amorim

time-read
3 mins  |
October 29, 2024
The Guardian

A view from the stands Going full Woodward is incompetent or cowardly

It was about half an hour after the final whistle at the FA Cup final when I had my exchange with Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 29, 2024
Van Nistelrooy has learned from the very best coaches
The Guardian

Van Nistelrooy has learned from the very best coaches

Dutchman took inspiration from Bielsa, Ferguson, Simeone and Robson in developing his own style

time-read
4 mins  |
October 29, 2024
Rodri and Bonmati scoop top prizes as Real boycott big night
The Guardian

Rodri and Bonmati scoop top prizes as Real boycott big night

Rodri and Aitana Bonmati have been named winners at the 2024 Ballon d'Or at football's annual awards ceremony in Paris, their trophies handed out at the end of a bizarre day in which Real Madrid's delegation opted not to attend.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 29, 2024
Stanway: Lionesses must evolve as plateau is 'inevitable'
The Guardian

Stanway: Lionesses must evolve as plateau is 'inevitable'

Georgia Stanway said it is \"inevitable\" that England will plateau after their huge success and that they need to reinvent themselves to avoid becoming predictable.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 29, 2024
Everything's starting to come together
The Guardian

Everything's starting to come together

Jack Draper's improvement in his breakthrough season has resulted from his greater fearlessness under pressure

time-read
3 mins  |
October 29, 2024
Verstappen's ruthless streak on show again in Norris battle
The Guardian

Verstappen's ruthless streak on show again in Norris battle

Two races and two flashpoints, the world championship battle between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris is in full flow.

time-read
3 mins  |
October 29, 2024
Curry poised for England return against All Blacks
The Guardian

Curry poised for England return against All Blacks

Sale flanker expected to start after recovery from hip injury that threatened his career

time-read
3 mins  |
October 29, 2024