Here in Georgia our festivals are full, but our poets are in prison – and now we feel abandoned by Europe
Anti-government protests continue, but our young people are leaving. Increasingly destitute cultural gatherings have become my places of solace
TL;DR
- Cultural festivals in Tbilisi are well-attended, but a sense of abandonment is growing.
- Poets and actors have been imprisoned, and young people are emigrating.
- There is a rise in 'traditionalism' and a rejection of pro-European ideals.
- Cultural events have become more impoverished, with less notable guests.
- The author observes a decline in EU symbols and a loss of hope for European integration.