Georgia’s entry at the Eurovision Song Contest this year, “Freedom,” is sung by Mariam Shengelia, who publicly supports the governing pro-Russian political party, Georgian Dream, and has performed at their events. The song has been criticized by Georgians and among fans internationally for its nationalist overtones, often labelled ”pro-Russian,” and is widely expected to fail to qualify for the Grand Final during the Eurovision Song Contest on May 13–17. After being banned from Eurovision in 2009 for submitting an explicitly anti-Russia song, Georgia’s entry this year represents a broader shifting government policy that is softer on Russia and increasingly distant from Europe.
Georgia Brings Patriotic Ballad to Eurovision With Pro-Georgian Dream Artist – Jamestown
