Georgia's 5th president says the country is "far from a democracy" amid Russia's influence

Salomé Zourabichvili, Georgia's fifth president and the first woman to hold the office, declared that the nation is "far from a democracy." Speaking in Washington, D.C., after receiving the 2026 Mark Palmer Prize, she highlighted the significant threat posed by Russia's influence over the region and its impact on democratic principles for Georgians.

Zourabichvili's remarks underscore concerns about the erosion of democratic institutions and freedoms within Georgia. The president's candid assessment points to a challenging political landscape where external pressures complicate the country's democratic aspirations. Her presence in Washington for the award ceremony provided a platform to voice these critical concerns on an international stage.

The discussion centered on the pervasive nature of Russian influence and its implications for Georgia's future. Zourabichvili's statements serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by countries navigating complex geopolitical dynamics and striving to maintain their sovereignty and democratic governance.

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The fifth president of Georgia and the first female to hold the position, Salomé Zourabichvili, joins CBS News 24/7 after receiving the 2026 Mark Palmer Prize in Washington, D.C. Zourabichvili discussed Russia's influence over the region and the threat to democracy for Georgians.