Robin Forrester-Walker
Appearances
Up First from NPR
South Korea Impeachment, Israel Attacks Houthis, Georgia's Political Crisis
Thank you.
Up First from NPR
South Korea Impeachment, Israel Attacks Houthis, Georgia's Political Crisis
So Mikhail Kavilashvili is 53 years old. He's a former soccer player turned politician for the Georgian Dream Party. That's the governing party. And he's played an important role in the government's shift away from the West. He's set to be inaugurated on Sunday. But the demonstrators who've been protesting after the government's U-turn on the EU really dislike Kavilashvili.
Up First from NPR
South Korea Impeachment, Israel Attacks Houthis, Georgia's Political Crisis
He's known for criticizing the West, in particular U.S. support for Georgian democracy. The incumbent president, Salome Zorobishvili, refuses to step down. She's positioned herself as the last defender of Georgian democracy because she believes the government is taking Georgia off its constitutionally mandated pro-European path.
Up First from NPR
South Korea Impeachment, Israel Attacks Houthis, Georgia's Political Crisis
So tensions are rising with two presidents claiming legitimacy and with the prime minister threatening to arrest Zorobishvili, there's a real risk of confrontation.
Up First from NPR
South Korea Impeachment, Israel Attacks Houthis, Georgia's Political Crisis
Well, there was this simmering anger over parliamentary elections in October. Observers questioned their fairness, but the nationwide protests really ignited when the government announced it was suspending talks on EU membership at the end of November. Polls consistently show strong public support for Georgia joining the EU. and the demonstrators want new elections.
Up First from NPR
South Korea Impeachment, Israel Attacks Houthis, Georgia's Political Crisis
And over the last month, they've become more organised and overall they've been largely peaceful. But police have arrested more than 500 people and there's been clear evidence of police brutality, which has led the US and some European states to sanction senior officials. President Zorobishvili has openly accused the Kremlin of undermining Georgian sovereignty.
Up First from NPR
South Korea Impeachment, Israel Attacks Houthis, Georgia's Political Crisis
She points to Russia's opposition to Georgia's EU and NATO aspirations. The Kremlin has openly praised the Georgian government for introducing controversial legislation that curtail civil liberties. And crucially, the governing party, Georgian Dream, is led by a billionaire who made his fortune in Russia. Critics say that means President Vladimir Putin has significant leverage over him.
Up First from NPR
South Korea Impeachment, Israel Attacks Houthis, Georgia's Political Crisis
So the government claims it's going to revisit the question of European membership in 2028. And meanwhile, officials are hoping for a reset in relations with the U.S. under the Trump administration. They say they share his values, but we don't know Trump's stance on Georgia yet. Last month in Paris, President Zorobishvili made a point of introducing herself to Trump.
Up First from NPR
South Korea Impeachment, Israel Attacks Houthis, Georgia's Political Crisis
Highlighting Georgia's role in the broader Russian conflict and Georgia's European aspirations. And many Georgians take heart that a number of Republicans are strong advocates for Georgian democracy. Some of them have warned that a Trump administration could respond harshly to any potential crackdown after December 29th.
Up First from NPR
South Korea Impeachment, Israel Attacks Houthis, Georgia's Political Crisis
Thank you.