“We officially now have a Russian government. They speak Georgian, but they are Russians”. Pro-opposition journalist Guram Rogova puts it simply: Russian ideologies have infiltrated Georgian democracy, and it has imperiled Georgia’s future. Georgian Dream is the ruling party in Georgia. Fuelled by billionaire Bidzina Ivannishvili, it was pro-EU until Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2023, when it took a 180 degree pivot. Long-serving minister Thea Tsulukiani denies that they act on behalf of Russia, suggesting instead that murky external forces are “trying to push Georgia into a war with Russia”. Giorgi Bachiashvili worked for the oligarch for more than a decade, until they had a spectacular falling-out in 2022, he says over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Ivanishvili is “possessed by his fears of losing control. Therefore, his nature aligns to any big power that will let him stay in charge of Georgia. He also owes Russia”. Wedged between Russia and Europe and in the hands of an unpredictable oligarch led by personal debts, Georgia faces an uncertain future.