Georgian Dream Assisting Kremlin's Soft Power Expansion in Georgia, Khatia Dekanoidze says
By Liza Mchedlidze
Tuesday, August 29, 2023
Khatia Dekanoidze, a deputy of the 'Eurooptimists' political group, responded to Medvedev's recent statements about Georgia and indicated a link with the upcoming elections. She added that it is important for Russia that the ruling 'Georgian Dream' party remains in power, as it 'assists' them in soft power expansion.
According to Dekanoidze, both the Georgian government and the Kremlin will employ numerous threats in the lead-up to the pre-election period. As she pointed out, Russia desires an even broader expansion within Georgia.
"It is the Kremlin's ambition that, despite facing daily setbacks in Ukraine, they have devised a formula for success, which involves a broader expansion through the utilization of soft power in Georgia and Moldova. We witness Russia's attempts in Moldova and observe its endeavors in Georgia as well," Dekanoidze stated.
Dekanoidze finds it regrettable that the"Georgian Dream is contributing to Russia's efforts to extend its soft power influence in Georgia, considering Russia's intention to further implement soft power strategies within the nation.
"It's regrettable that the Georgian government is assisting Russia in extending its soft power influence within Georgia. I believe that the threats posed by Medvedev, Putin, and the Kremlin are linked to their desire for more effective soft power implementation in Georgia, especially while Ivanishvili and the "Georgian Dream" party hold power. I particularly connect this with the upcoming elections, just a year away. It holds great significance for Russia that this government retains power, even though it seems nearly unattainable. I am confident that both our government and the Kremlin will employ a multitude of such expansion-oriented threats leading up to the elections," stated Dekanoidze.
