Several graphic elements can be seen in the picture. In the background is the flag of Georgia with a large red cross and four smaller crosses on a white background. In the foreground is the large orange headline ‘Listen to the East!’ with the theme "Georgia - a divided country. Church and social perspectives". The date and time of the event are shown underneath: Monday, 23 June 2025, from 18:00 to 19:15. At the top right is a blue bar with the words ‘Online discussion series’. The logos of the organisers can be seen at the bottom: the ZdK (Central Committee of German Catholics), Renovabis and the Catholic Academy in Berlin e.V.
Invitation to the online discussion series ‘Listen to the East!’: On 23 June 2025, the focus will be on Georgia's social and ecclesiastical perspectives.
Source: Collage Renovabis
Online Event

Georgia – a divided Country

23.06.2025, 18:00–19:15 Uhr
Online

Georgia after the elections: Protests, accusations of electoral fraud, pro-Russian course. 80% of the population want to join the EU, the government stops accession talks until 2028. A divided society between rich and poor, old and young. What role do the churches play? Where is the country heading?

Subject of the Event

Georgia was repeatedly in the headlines, especially last winter. Democratic and pro-European citizens protested against the government, particularly after the parliamentary elections in October 2024. The focus was on allegations of electoral fraud that continue to this day, the pro-Russian course and the announced suspension of EU accession negotiations until 2028. According to surveys, 80 per cent of the population are in favour of their country joining the EU.

Georgian society is very divided on many levels: Generational conflicts, an urban-rural divide and a widening gap between many people living in poverty and a small group of extremely wealthy and therefore politically powerful individuals. Our dialogue partners provide insights into the mood in the country, people's fears, expectations and future prospects. The role of the Christian faith and the commitment of the churches, particularly in the social sector, will also be discussed. In which direction will Georgia develop?

Wir listen to and speak with:

  • Tamar Iluridze, freie Journalistin, Berlin (Germany)
  • Prof. Dr. Vaja Vardidze, Head of the Advisory Board of the Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani University,
    Tbilisi (Georgia)

Moderation:

Klaus Böllert, Head of the Catholic Broadcasting Department of the Archdiocese Hamburg, Hamburg

Further information:

  • The event will be held with translation in German and English.
  • Video recordings of previous events in the ‘Listen to the East!’ series are available as a playlist: Youtube

Contact:

Content created: 05.06.2025, last modified: 12.06.2025

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