Burchuladze Grilled for “Singing for Putin” in Russia

Famous Georgian Opera Singer and politician Paata Burchuladze, who supported the United National Movement presidential candidate Grigol Vashadze in the recent presidential race, has been grilled by many for singing in Saint Petersburg, at the concert which was attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Members of nine other parties, which also supported Vashadze, had to comment on the issue.

“I am requesting explanations from Paata Burchuladze”, - one of the leaders of the United Opposition, Giorgi Vashadze, said when commenting on Burchuladze’s performance at the event.

"I am very sorry for this fact and I can directly say that this is unacceptable to me - political activity on the one hand and singing at the event attended by Putin on the other hand,” Vashadze said.

“Any person singing or dancing for Putin in Moscow is harming our state. I would say the same even if such a person is a member of my party member”, - Elene Khoshtaria, member of the European Georgia told journalists.

"There are no double standards. Apart from being a singer, Burchuladze was quite a serious political figure. He has special responsibilities and such behavior is unacceptable. It is harmful to our country when Russia creates an illusion that people feel wonderful when communicating with them and culture is a separated space,” Khoshtaria said.

Paata Davitaia, an opposition politician who also supported Vashadze, stated that “Burchuladze might not have known about Putin’s presence at the event.”

Burchuladze stopped his opera career in May 2016 and formed a political party, State for People, prior to the October 2016 parliamentary elections.

Following this, Burchuladze formed a coalition with three other opposition parties to establish the State for People Movement. His coalition failed to pass the five percent election threshold and was left with no seats in Parliament.

After the race, Burchuladze declared that he quit politics. However, during the presidential race this year he was again involved in politics to support Vashadze.

Burchuladze has also been summoned for questioning by law enforcing agencies for alleged misspending of the funds of the charity foundation Iavnana, which he established several years ago.