Bytter nasjon: Understanding the Shift in National Identity and Values

FIS President Johan Eliasch to Run for Re-election as Georgia’s Representative FIS President Johan Eliasch will seek re-election at the organization’s congress in June, representing Georgia instead of his previous nominating country, Britain, according to the Norwegian Ski and Snowboard Federation. Eliasch, who holds British and Swedish citizenship, had previously been nominated by Britain for the FIS presidency. However, Britain’s ski federation announced last month that it would not support his candidacy, instead nominating Victoria Gosling as their candidate. Following Britain’s decision, Eliasch approached Sweden’s ski federation seeking their nomination, but they declined, opting to nominate Karin Mattsson for a continued role as a board member instead. Undeterred, Eliasch obtained Georgian citizenship and has now been nominated as a presidential candidate by Georgia’s ski federation. The billionaire businessman has no known prior connection to Georgia, though Georgian authorities can grant citizenship to individuals who create significant contributions to the country. FIS confirmed in a Wednesday press release that five candidates had been nominated for the presidency before the deadline: Alexander Ospelt of Liechtenstein, Anna Harboe Falkenberg of Denmark, Dexter Paine of the United States, Johan Eliasch representing Georgia, and Victoria Gosling from Britain. Tove Moe Dyrhaug has been nominated by Norway’s Ski Federation for re-election as a federation board member. The FIS congress elections are scheduled for June 11 in Belgrade.