Pianist, MP Elisso Bolkvadze asks foreign minister to use "levers" against "misinformation" in foreign press about Georgia

Georgia's internationally recognised pianist and a member of the country's parliament, Elisso Bolkvadze, has asked David Zalkaliani, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, to use "levers" to combat what she has labeled "misinformation" about Georgia in foreign media, and in French press in particular.

Bolkvadze, whose career has been closely linked to France and resulted in honours including the Order of Arts and Literature - a top French state prize - for her share in developing cultural relations between the two states, addressed Zalkaliani on Friday, during the latter's planned report to MPs.

The foreign minister spoke to the parliament about ongoing work of his ministry, in particular on the backdrop of the tense political situation in Georgia caused by the imprisonment and ongoing hunger strike of former president Mikheil Saakashvili.

The FM was also answering questions by lawmakers, including Bolkvadze - a member of the ruling Georgian Dream party - with the latter raising the subject of foreign media coverage on Georgia in the current context. She claimed the international press was "causing major damage to the image of Georgia", and mentioned French publications in particular.

Bolkvadze said French editions like Le Figaro, Le Monde and Express were among examples of outlets involved in the unspecified claim, and asked Zalkaliani whether the foreign ministry had "any levers" for "somehow solving the issue" by "sending [the foreign press] the information that is close to the reality, in response to the misinformation."

The MP also volunteered to work, as part of her position as the chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Culture, for the goal in case such means would need to be designed, telling the FM the Committee was "ready to get involved" in the matter.

Designated UNESCO Artist for Peace, with her mandate renewed earlier this year, Bolkvadze was awarded the Order of Arts and Literature in 2015, with the Order of Honour of Georgia, a major state prize of the country, following in 2018.

The French prize was bestowed on the pianist in recognition of her efforts to facilitate cultural exchange between the two countries, with her career shaped by her recognition and success in France over the years. She broke through on the international scene in Switzerland and France, before worldwide recognition also made her a wanted artist across Europe and the United States.

In reviews across the international press, the pianist has been called "an amazing talent" by The New York Times and "a brilliant virtuoso and superb person" by the Journal Classica magazine.

The musical artist entered politics in her home country with her selection for the Georgian Dream party list for the parliament in December 2020. Her work in chairing the culture committee has included involvement with the UNESCO for the selection of Batumi as a member of the Creative Cities Network of the United Nations culture organisation.