The President of Georgia speaks to The Rest Is Politics (Salome Zourabichvili)

Is Georgia's future with Europe or Russia?
Join Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell at 11am UK time / 3pm Georgian time on Friday 27th December as they sit down for a conversation with Georgian President, Salome Zourabichvili.

[@ChristianWilliams-ht1xm]

Incredible. What a moment to capture. President Zourabichvili is incredibly brave and I hope she is supported by UK and EU leaders. I’m glad you persuaded Madame President to speak today.

[@oliversissonphone6143]

Who did Rory say was writing furiously on the topic? Darryl Knause? 47:22

[@davidweston2886]

Another absolutely brilliant episode, Incredibly moving, thank you both so much. I wish President Salome Zourabichvili the very best of luck over the coming days.

[@LeilaMarshania]

Thank you Rory and Alister for this interview and for focusing on Georgian people's struggle for freedom and democracy against the illegitimate and pro-Russian regime of oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili. It is very important for us to have a strong support from the the Western democracies.

[@Auprivaveproducers]

They are liars and I can prove it

[@londresparis_1]

LOL you are funny 😂 What is more illegitimate than a French president of Georgia?

[@LeilaMarshania]

@@londresparis_1 You are a troll 🤡

[@kimberlycollison2375]

She is an exceptional leader. Gentlemen, Thank you for interviewing her and educating us.

[@chrisohanlon69]

She should be in Jail

[@AI-LANDIA]

She is not Georgian,she is French. She even can not speaking Georgian. We Georgians HATE this 'lady' . She will be Jail tomorrow , or in France.😂

[@tatulishervashidze7969]

@@chrisohanlon69and why is that?

[@howestimothy7820]

Truly amazing, such cool heroism. I really hope things turn out well for Madame president and the Georgian people.

[@Ekaterine76]

Thank you for inviting Georgia’s president to your program! Georgia matters and your attention is much appreciated! ❤️

[@nicolaebulgaru]

Incredibly brave lady. Whole world should be around her and georgian people in their fight against russia.

[@KetevanMegrelishvili]

Thank you for the incredible and, for us Georgians, truly historical podcast! Just one small note about Madam President - yes, she was born in France, but she is Georgian, raised by Georgian parents who devoted their lives to Georgia. She is also the great-granddaughter of Niko Nikoladze, the honorary chairman of the National Democratic Party of Georgia during the country's short-lived independence. Her parents did not simply leave the country, they fled the Soviet Army. We appreciate everything she has done for us. she is more Georgian than many, who were born and raised there but are ready to sell everything even their soul to russian goverment.

[@tatulishervashidze7969]

Can't agree more 🎉

[@nataliegamtsemlidze3510]

Thank you, Rory and Alastair, for this live today! It is crucial that the West knows what is going on in Georgia. Good luck to Madam President and us, the Georgian people, in this existential resistance against Russian-influenced forces. !Freedom to all the system prisoners!

[@jezf.m]

This is a groundbreaking podcast. I’ve never seen a sitting leader who is potentially about to be overthrown and arrested giving a live podcast to break down the situation and get the word out there. Amazing work. This is like the new form of news 🗞️

[@tvismyonlyfriend]

I like that you called it that, because news does change

[@SomeWeirdNonConformist]

overthrown? Her term is finished, elections were fair and square and collective West is pushing for yet another color revolution. The only overthrow happening is her attempt against the will of majority.

[@Octagon33972]

Nobody gonna overthrow her, georgian people will fight for her!

[@ronald3836]

@@Octagon33972 The rule of law means nothing anymore? Should Biden refuse to step down, too?

[@cvgodd1432]

@@Octagon33972yea well.. the new president just got inaugurated. 😂😂

[@dr.j9201]

The world need to hear her. Excellent. Democracy is worth fighting for and the President is leading us with courage. Thank you all.

[@museumoflosttime9718]

This discussion only serves to support my view that this is a critical and very pressing issue for the whole of the western/free world, so it’s vital that we totally and fully support Salome Zourabichvili and all her fellow Georgians at this very dangerous time. Thank you for holding this conversation.

[@sararichardson737]

You could say the same for Ukraine also.

[@alexmood6407]

Fellow Georgians just elected someone else. Maybe she should accept the results.

[@yeastandgrapes]

Ppl didnt elect "new president" ​it was elected by iligitimate gvmnt Thr only president today according georgian constitution is Salome Zurabishvili @@alexmood6407

[@nihontoman]

​@@alexmood6407 no, they did not. Stop spreading bull

[@tatulishervashidze7969]

@@alexmood6407says who? No, she IS our only president

[@w.t.chapman1995]

Simply outstanding interview! What a courageous person! Thank you.

[@Pro-Reason]

Thank you very much for the interview. You don't hear anything about this in many media outlets, even though it's important. Greetings from Germany.

[@jarettmeyer4929]

This was needed! Thank you guys for doing this

[@zaras.448]

Thank you for this episode ! I learned a lot more about the situation in Georgia. All the best to the people of 🇬🇪🇪🇺 and to Mme. President.

[@blindinbluesmusic]

Congratulations on your interview with Georgia's president - very topical and important for Europe.

[@dahla1973]

Thank so much for being the standard bearers of a world order that is so heavily under attack today. The world needs more politicians like you

[@ronald3836]

Even more politicians that ignore election results? Maybe we will be seeing some of them in Germany next year.

[@ingakirvalidze3969]

To our honorable president and leader. God bless you with much needed strength ❤🙏🙏

[@maryj5593]

Thank you to the Lady President and also Gentlemen. I hope everything settles down and democracy prevails.

[@alexmood6407]

And democracy prevails when our guys are elected. When the other side wins it’s not democracy.

[@jimboslice4468]

@@alexmood6407 Do you think it was a fair vote?

[@alexmood6407]

@ as fair as British elections.

[@kayewadland3144]

@@jimboslice4468it's best to ignore trolls..

[@jimboslice4468]

@@alexmood6407 Really? Do you think there is significant outside interference in UK elections?

[@TalesofSalome]

Brilliant interview. I have listened to it three times already. Thank you for giving a platform to President Zourabichvili.

[@mariamaduashvili772]

I was watching your previous podcast about Georgia and wished President gave live interview, so gald it happened so fast

[@hrsjohnny]

This interview clearly shows what a monster Russia is towards it's bordering neighbors!

[@My_Simple_Canadian_life]

This is bunch of BS ! She is Western puppet who wants Georgia to become Ukraine 2

[@ronald3836]

Sure, and let's not import such problems into the EU.

[@rusikohamilton7060]

Thank you for this interview.

[@conallgeneral8136]

Good interview thank you - clarified a lot of important questions- let’s see what happens on Sunday.

[@rbb.828]

Wishing her and Georgia the very best 🙏🇬🇪♥️

[@odi299]

Thank you, Alastair Campbell, for your thoughtful and balanced approach in this podcast episode. Your ability to present diverse perspectives makes the discussion both engaging and enlightening. It’s always refreshing to hear such a fair and nuanced take on important issues. You’re a good man, and it’s evident in the way you handle these conversations.

[@cathymaitland345]

This is an amazing Podcast. Thank you all.

[@jguitar23]

An excellent interview❤

[@Auprivaveproducers]

Explain what's was so excellent? You like being lied to

[@EkaterineBerdzenishvili]

Thank you for having Salome and discussing the protests in Georgia. Sadly it’s not easy for the eu-citizens to capture what happens now in Caucasus. Thanks for summarising the complex situation in a very clever and clear manner. To hear the truth spoken in the objective media is very important for us, citizens of independent, democratic Georgia.

[@ronald3836]

What is clear to EU citizens is that Georgia should not join the EU. The EU already has enough problems with dissident member states.

[@EkaterineBerdzenishvili]

@ Dissident members are the product of Russian influence and that is against what now Georgia is fighting. If you are so much afraid to leave your comfort zone, then better to protest against dependance of EU on Russian gas and natural resources.

[@matthewkeating5963]

Amazing woman. More power to her.

[@wintersnowowen2254]

What a brave woman!

[@lashakvaratskhelia5258]

Thank you for this! This kind of discussion about our issues in western media is incredibly important and this Georgian citizen appreciates your effort very much

[@EveningReport]

Congratulations to Alastair, Rory and team on this interview. Context is so important in understanding what's occurring and likely to happen next. Appreciated.

[@halfamo2422]

Superb interview. And so important.

[@Joona.Lukala]

Great conversation ❤ thank you

[@androatoev5820]

Don't think the question was understood well and not answered. After rose revolution, in 2004 Saakashvili invited Zourabichvili to join his cabinet and granted her Georgian citizenship. She then quit French MFA and became foreign minister of Georgia. In 2006 or 2007 she had a falling out with Saakashvili and she left and became opposition to his government. She then left politics around 2010 and resurfaced in 2012 or so, becoming MP with the help of current ruling party in 2016. She wasn't on their party, but they made sure not to stand in her way in the district she ran from. Later they backed her to be the president in 2018, around 2020-2021 she started vocally opposing them. And here we are

[@sararichardson737]

Thank you.

[@ronald3836]

Thanks. What is behind this, in your opinion? Russian meddling or simply too many outsized egos?

[@androatoev5820]

@@ronald3836 behind current political crisis? I mean Russia meddling is a given when you are in Georgia. From the early 90s, as our statehood strengthened, it also came with increasingly repressive law enforcement. While the previous government was also repressive, the pro-Western orientation of its leadership meant it couldn't overstay its welcome and had to respect realistic electoral outcomes. However, since the shift in direction, particularly from 2022 onward, law enforcement has grown significantly more repressive. And additional more laws have been introduced that are selectively applied to repress voices, protests, media. The ruling party, now firmly entrenched, has decided to solidify its power and is employing nearly all the methods seen in other authoritarian regimes elsewhere. Outsized ego? I mean it's only 1 ego in the ruling party that matters - Ivanishvili's. It's true there are also egos that can't make it work properly on opposition side, some of the reasons behind it are down to environment they have to operate in. Some down to them just being unorganized and having bad track record (e.g. bankers, former government officials etc)

[@ikoiko7518]

Brilliant interview and questions were spot on, I hope many will watch and be educated about the situation in Georgia as well as understand the game of Russian hybrid politics and its dangers in the international democracy.

[@pereduranofcourse]

So interesting!

[@pt99810]

Thank you for illuminating interview and background explanations. Puts usual news channels to shame.

[@christy4051]

Bravery ❤

[@hablemosdepolitica-i2q]

Qué coraje el de la Presidenta, ojalá todo vaya bien.

[@MsLovingdance]

Brave lady!

[@iako...]

Madam president ❤

[@enta2]

When in Tbilisi in 1989 people burning and cutting up Communist Party certificates, which had been mandatory for 70 years, we all thought that communism was over. When independence was followed by wars, economic hardship, and then the so-called stability of Shevardnadze, we felt that we needed time to develop. We were instilled with low self-esteem based on the example of the Baltic countries because they developed better. But Russia never attacked them. Salome says that all regimes have moved into authoritarianism. This is because the Georgian political society is closed and a stranger does not stay there for long. A stranger either commits suicide, is killed, or leaves office. Our political elite has blind supporters who live in poverty and they worship the leader, justifying all his actions. You will probably understand that these people are the descendants of murderers, thieves, and other criminals raised in the communist spirit, and they truly believe that their mentality is the Georgian mentality. Therefore, the only salvation for Georgia is the new generation, and this new generation is represented at protest rallies. This generation has received education via the Internet and therefore is not a victim of any propaganda. We have never had such a generation before, and I really hope that many things will change in Georgia. There are also normal people from the older generations, and hopefully, new cadres will replace the members of the communist sect.

[@bernardh9994]

A really top scoop interview .. a minor technical issue, not advantageous to have a window light in the background Rory..

[@theokapanadze]

Bravo Salome ✌️🌹

[@tato3696]

legitimacy in truth and people, real president of georgia

[@aurel42]

A showcase of one side of the argument with no critical questions about the role the EU and US play in Georgia. I guess it's only election interference if the other guy does it? It's surprising that our hosts, who often take a lot of time to point out that reality has many shades of gray, regress into painting the situation as good vs. evil. I couldn't bear to watch all the way to the end.

[@michaelwulff4242]

Brilliant discussion of a matter that must be much better known because there are so many opposing parties-and a balance is vital if Europe is to continue as a real alternative to Russian mafia control.

[@conallgeneral8136]

The new presidential electoral college was changed back in 2017 before Salome stood the first time in 2018 (with the support of Bidzina & Georgian Dream)

[@donnascottcomedy]

She was inaugurated in 2018, but the change happened after her election. She is the last popularly elected president.

[@ronald3836]

So the new president was legitimatley elected, right? The podcast certainly did its best to suggest that he was not.

[@vinzenzvega4445]

Thank You for doing this.

[@Auprivaveproducers]

For lying to you😅

[@tonsmeijers9711]

Highly recommend to read "The eight lives for Brilka" by Nino Haratischwili. Amazing book on the struggle of the Georgian people in the 20th century. If this renewed struggle for independence will be won, as it will be in the end, please go and visit this amazing country and its brave and kind people.

[@alexmood6407]

They were not very kind to their minorities were they?

[@marcusprice5907]

What’s all that background noise?

[@denisesanders5589]

Very off putting

[@dylanparry5712]

Give us a chance! I’m watching it now 🤣

[@enkheegaramochir3819]

Seems like another leader after Zelenski, willing to fight for democracy and freedom, is emerging in South Caucasus. The young generation of Georgians need someone to support and lead them to their European future. I hope Madame President will be able to fulfill her historic role and stand firm to ensure that future. I only hope that the western world, especially the US, remind themselves of one simple fact of life that none of us should take what we have for granted.

[@LL-vk9zc]

Lesson: any time a billionaire gets involved in politics, it usually ends in tears......for the general population.

[@craiglinfoot2773]

This is exactly the same as Africa .... for example one party in south africa is russia

[@mattstokes7763]

Thanks for this interview. It was very interesting. I've been listening to the podcast religiously. Some feedback. I felt the interview could of been slightly more professional. The sound quality I felt was slightly poorer than usual presumably because laptops etc were being used. For such a big interview a nice highest webcam and travel usb microphone could of improved this somewhat. The gremlins at the start and music in the background was a bit off putting. It could of been sensitive reasons but I don't think you challenged her enough on EU US and UK not doing enough and her affliation with Georgian dream at the start. She said it has changed, but what's the counter view to it is there any evidence to support it? Sure these small things will be cleared up. Good luck with the podcast my favourite one this year !

[@adrianward5795]

❤🇬🇪🇪🇺

[@londresparis_1]

These two don't care about Georgia. The UK, the USA, the EU don't care about Georgia. Georgia is just another piece on the chessboard. Hopefully your audience can understand this.

[@richardrozz]

When Russia invaded Georgia let's remember that the Polish President & 1 or 2 Baltic leaders flew to Tbilisi

[@W_Bin]

Here's the legacy President Zourabichvili can leave: Table the resolution in the UN General Assembly that USSR's UN memberships ended by law in 1991 (established since 1947), and end the fiction of P's get out of jail card and bully pulpit. So the UN can send in multinational forces to Ukraine. That should fix Putrid.

[@bthjf12003]

And Russia occupied part of Georgia

[@ronald3836]

I wish Georgia and Georgians all the best, but one thing is clear: a country as unstable as Georgia has NO PLACE in the EU.

[@tatulishervashidze7969]

Thank you for your kind wishes. Can I ask, why is that? (no place in the EU)

[@ronald3836]

@tatulishervashidze7969 The EU already has several troublemakers such as Hungary, Slovakia and at times Poland. Letting in Georgia and see it turn to Russia on the very next day would be yet another major hassle. Even if it does but turn to Russia, it is clear that it is not yet a stable democracy. Also, anti-EU forces are growing stronger and stronger within the older EU states (such as France and the Netherlands) already. Brussels trying to pull in Georgia is just another sign of Brussels having lost touch, another nail in the EU's coffin. It will not happen, and these attempts can only hurt Georgia (just like the 2007 NATO promise of some "future" membership for Ukraine and Georgia has only caused misery).

[@1992fafnir]

No way! No comments yet?

[@ronald3836]

You missed your chance to write "First post!".

[@marcgrant2225]

madam president, my grandparents had to flee the pogroms of belarus and poland. they came to the united states. now i’m faced with having to think about the future here should it get crazier with the christian nationalists and the second coming of trump. same old it is. the west is not for everyone.

[@johncorboy2163]

The world is sick of war ,no one wants to be involved and the tinker Taylor butcher carpenter taxi driver just want to survive.These so called diplomats seem to be power brokers.

[@justinlinnane8043]

sound is terrible . crackling all the way through . you need a tech producer for big interviews like this !!!

[@christopherVersaey]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@jackhelsdown4753]

Zoom with your parents at Christmas

[@cvgodd1432]

Russia is still in Syria btw

[@SL-sd3sg]

🤍❤️🤍💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

[@iforwilliams2509]

Rory, you need to close your curtains, backlight causing glare on the camera lens

[@Nicolas-uu3jr]

tough country, Stalin was from there :D

[@4x4r974]

This sould have been filmed in Georgia

[@zazatsirekidze5197]

❤❤❤❤

[@JGray1066]

So you want her to do what you said Trump would do 🤦🏼‍♂🤦🏼‍♂🤦🏼‍♂

[@IsabelCoenen]

I wish her luck, but I confess I'm pessimistic.

[@jacksonfowler5032]

When Campbell left I was hoping he wouldn’t rejoin so that Rory could have just done the interview on his own.

[@neiljarrett6750]

2:24

[@neiljarrett6750]

Campbell - youre totally incompetent and disrespectful. Hilarious.

[@AI-LANDIA]

Last days of French imperialism in Georgia. 😂 bye bye. Long live to Georgia - თავისუფალს საქართველოს გაუმარჯოს❤

[@MrNilOrange]

Guys this was technically shambolic. Sort it out or edit the interview before you post.

[@bagofdoom7693]

The unelected president lol

[@bankafouf]

Footballer as president the joke of the 21 century hh ... 👏 . That's what Russia do examples: syrai , Georgia, ect

[@iakristensen6490]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@odi299]

Bringing up Alastair Campbell’s Iraq dossier under a video about Georgia’s president is a deliberate and harmful attempt to derail critical discourse. While the Iraq dossier remains controversial, it also had positive aspects, such as focusing attention on key security threats at the time. However, hijacking discussions about Georgia to rehash unrelated debates disrespects the subject, misleads the audience, and undermines serious dialogue. Actions must be taken to remove such comments and safeguard the integrity of the conversation.

[@RobertThomson-y4m]

Thanks, Mrs Campbell.

[@shehryar_]

On every single podcast you come to defend Campbell and his dossier. Either you’re his burner account, or indeed Mrs Campbell. Give it a break.

[@Jablicek]

As far as I can see the only comment mentioning Iraq is yours, my assumption is that you're with Podmasters or whatever you're calling yourselves these days. Not terribly well edited this one, is it? Oh, and can you ask Rory to stop clarifying everying single thing? That derails trains of thought for both respondent and listener.

[@46jerdboy]

Agree it's not the place to litigate dossier. It's a Russian disinformation strategy to distract and throw shit on the wall.

[@sararichardson737]

@@JablicekHe does it for the elucidation of listeners who aren’t au fait with the subject. He’s being inclusive.

[@cvgodd1432]

Haha you lost!!! 😂😂 no war for Georgia!! Ask her why she didn’t show any proof and why NGOs are paying her millions 😂. You lost!!

[@faridoon15]

A little island off Europe egging a neighbour of Russia to have an anti Russia stance, it ended well with Ukraine and will end well in Georgia. Idealism v Realism here on display. The failure of western politics has been failure to take context into account for policy, if you have no hope of winning a war, it is best to not fight it.

[@maddang1797]

Dumb 1st question from AC

[@patbyrneme007]

More generally, this soon to be ex President of Romania never once mentioned the economic etc. interests of the Georgian people but focused entirely on the geopolitical position of Georgia and her desire for it to be on the Western side. Interestingly, she mentioned about how China is helping Georgia with big infrastructure projects. This contrasts with the US, EU etc. who offer very little nowadays except military aid and conflict. I for one can't blame the Georgians for not wanting to go down the road of Ukraine towards death and destruction. To support joining NATO in these circumstances shows that she prioritises the interests of the western alliance over the lives of the Georgian people.

[@stas9216]

China is not helping Georgia in any way. US and EU have been sending hundreds of millions of aid to Georgia for more than 30 years.

[@duncand2127]

The people did not vote for the Georgian Dream. The election was stolen. They'll be no freedom of speech if they go down the Russian route

[@boblomu3685]

What a load of bollocks. Also I'm sorry to say bot - but your automation got the countries mixed up ;)

[@patbyrneme007]

@boblomu3685 Didn't understand your message. Would be great to hear what you disagreed with in my comment.

[@ronald3836]

China is not "helping" countries with infrastructure projects. This is just a corruption scheme to buy influence in and to hijack the economies of those countries.

[@RobertThomson-y4m]

Can Germany afford to support another poor nation in the EU??

[@ronald3836]

Georgia is not going to join the EU (nor is Ukraine). The EU has problems enough already.

[@RobertThomson-y4m]

@ronald3836 exactly. The European farmers won't want Ukraine and why on earth would Germany be funding another poor country?

[@ronald3836]

@@RobertThomson-y4m if poverty were the only problem, then EU membership could bring mutual long-term benefits. But both countries are partly occupied, suffer from structural corruption, and have underdeveloped democracies. They woukd further destabilise the EU, which is in danger already.

[@RobertThomson-y4m]

Are Campbell's and Stewart's kids going to be sent to fight Russia? They seem very keen to get us in to a war. Can't the wonderful EU sort it? Campbell's always telling us it's a paradise.

[@ronald3836]

EU citizens certainly are not waiting for such a pile of trouble to join the EU.

[@RobertThomson-y4m]

@@ronald3836 good. We can focus on looking after our own and not defending you from Putin.

[@ronald3836]

@@RobertThomson-y4m I was referring to Georgia, not to the UK (if that is how you read my comment).

[@equaliser2265]

Who put her incharge? Placed by who? Backed by who?

[@ivanlamb6519]

the georgian people, the georgian people and the georgian people.

[@duncand2127]

Georgian people, not Russians

[@boblomu3685]

​@ivanlamb6519 haha that's the best reply to a Russian bot I've seen

[@chrisohanlon69]

The same ones who wanted Sunak, Trudeau, Macron, Draghi, Ardern. She's the same phenotype

[@Joe90V]

Russia is at war with Europe and the Uk, not a hot war yet, and it's high time Europeans acted accordingly.

[@chrisohanlon69]

yeah maybe they should try negotiating

[@anthropomorphousdodecahedr6504]

@@chrisohanlon69 No, Europeans should increase their military spending to 2.5% of their GDP and many problems would solve themselves

[@Joe90V]

@@chrisohanlon69 … when russia has broken every treaty it's signed, what's the point?

[@lelanemsitsveridze3511]

❤❤❤