Georgia: At the Crossroads of Autocracy and Democracy

The general elections in Georgia on October 26 will play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s political trajectory, offering a decisive choice between democracy and authoritarianism. President Salome Zurabishvili has framed the elections as a referendum on Georgia’s European future, contrasting it with the path chosen by authoritarian Russia. However, the Georgian Dream (GD), led by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, appears to be obstructing the country’s integration into the European Union while maintaining ties with Moscow, raising concerns about Georgia’s political independence and strategic orientation.

Georgian Dream, once espousing a social-democratic agenda, has increasingly aligned itself with pro-Russian policies. This shift is exemplified by the controversial "foreign agents law," adopted in May 2024, which requires organisations receiving foreign funding to register as “foreign agents,” thereby restricting media and NGO freedoms. Critics argue that the law mirrors Russian political strategies designed to suppress dissent. Additional legislation, ostensibly protecting “family values,” imposes limitations on freedoms associated with European democracy, further cementing GD’s alignment with conservative, Kremlin-style ideologies.

Under Ivanishvili’s leadership, GD has been accused of prioritising self-preservation over public governance. Observers claim the party functions more as a private enterprise than a political organisation, concentrating power among a small elite and blurring the boundaries between governance and financial interests. This has led to allegations of democratic backsliding, with GD’s control over the electoral process and political environment raising serious concerns among international observers.

Civil society in Georgia has faced significant challenges in its efforts to uphold democratic norms. Youth activists have been disproportionately penalised for minor offences, reflecting GD’s strategy to suppress dissent and intimidate opposition. Such cases have galvanised support for pro-European opposition parties, which have united around the Georgian Charter, a platform promoting European integration. Nonetheless, GD’s narrative framing the elections as a choice between peace under its leadership and war under the opposition exploits public fears of renewed conflict in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, undermining democratic discourse.

Fundamental rights are also under threat, with GD’s legislative agenda targeting freedom of expression. The “foreign agents law” and the reform of the Penal Code, which enforces severe penalties for minor protests, exemplify the party’s attempts to silence opposition voices and stifle public mobilisation. International organisations, including the OSCE, have documented these repressive tactics, further highlighting the compromised state of Georgia’s democratic landscape.

Despite these challenges, Georgia’s leadership has expressed a commitment to EU integration, setting an ambitious goal of becoming the “best-prepared EU candidate” by 2030. This vision encompasses democratic reforms, enhanced human rights protections, and improved governance. Prime Minister Kobakhidze has emphasised these priorities in recent statements, underscoring the nation’s progress in addressing issues such as political polarisation, judicial independence, and anti-corruption measures. While Georgia has completed three of the twelve priorities outlined by the European Commission, significant work remains to achieve alignment with EU standards.

Georgia’s EU aspirations reflect more than economic and political objectives; they symbolise a desire to solidify democratic principles and national identity in the post-Soviet era. The path to membership represents a profound transformation, with civil society playing a crucial role in advocating for reforms that align with European values. However, the government’s progress will be closely scrutinised in the upcoming elections and beyond, as both Georgian citizens and European leaders assess its commitment to reform.

The road ahead for Georgia involves balancing domestic and international expectations while navigating complex regional tensions. Achieving its ambitious 2030 timeline requires sustained political will, strategic reforms, and continued support from EU leaders. Georgia’s journey towards European integration stands as both a testament to its resilience and a model for nations striving to balance sovereignty, reform, and external pressures in an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape.