**Georgian President on European Stage: “Russia is Testing Its Hybrid Warfare Strategies in Georgia“**
On December 27, Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili appeared on a British podcast called The Rest is Politics. She spoke with hosts Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart about the current situation in Georgia.
President Zurabishvili reiterated that the December 14 presidential election held by the electoral college composed only of the Georgian Dream party is invalid. She stated that she remains the legitimate president and urged Western partners to take a firmer stance on Georgian authorities.
**Warning of Russian Aggression**
During the interview, President Zurabishvili warned that Russia is testing its new hybrid warfare strategies in Georgia. She emphasized that Georgia is at the center of a geopolitical battle between Russia and Europe. The President noted that the Georgian people recognize this threat and are responding with protests.
She also mentioned that Russia failed to succeed militarily in Ukraine, so it’s trying out different approaches in other countries like Romania and Moldova. President Zurabishvili called on European and American partners to “tackle this new reality”.
**Plans After December 29**
When asked about her plans after December 29, when the Georgian Dream government plans to inaugurate Mikheil Kavelashvili as president, President Zurabishvili stated that she remains president and continues to do her job. She said that more details will be known on Sunday.
**Criticism of GD Government**
The President criticized the GD government’s drift away from the EU, saying it’s becoming increasingly evident over the past three years. She compared this situation with Georgia’s second president, Shevardnadze, who didn’t try to accommodate Russia as much as the Georgian Dream is doing now.
**Bidzina Ivanishvili and Power in Georgia**
President Zurabishvili also commented on Bidzina Ivanishvili, saying he’s central in everything. Despite trying to act from the shadows in a “non-formal” role, she stressed that the power is completely under his control.
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