**Georgia’s Consulate General in Milan Opens, but Questions Remain**
In a ceremony marked by pomp and circumstance, Georgia’s Consulate General in Milan was officially opened. The event, held at the Visconti Palace, was attended by high-ranking officials from Tbilisi, including Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze.
However, not everyone is celebrating this development. Georgia’s fifth President, Salome Zurabishvili, took to social media to express her skepticism about the motivations behind the consulate’s opening ceremony. According to Zurabishvili, the authorities are more interested in showcasing their diplomatic achievements than addressing the country’s current challenges.
**A Staged Event?**
Zurabishvili’s comments suggest that the consulate’s official opening may have been staged to create a positive image for the public. She noted that the event was attended by only half of Georgia’s government, and that significant expenses were incurred to fly in a choir. This, she argued, is indicative of a desperate attempt to convince people that sanctions do not affect them.
The President also pointed out that the consulate has been operating since November 24, 2023, with the consul being appointed in September 2023. This raises questions about why an official opening ceremony was needed now, and what message this sends to the public.
**A Potemkin Village?**
Zurabishvili’s comments imply that Georgia’s authorities are creating a “Potemkin village,” a term used to describe a facade of prosperity or normalcy. By hosting a grand opening ceremony, they aim to convince the public that everything is fine and that their actions represent the state.
However, this message may not resonate with everyone. Many Georgians continue to face difficulties due to sanctions and economic hardship. The question remains whether this diplomatic achievement will have any tangible benefits for the country’s citizens or if it is simply a public relations exercise.
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