- Anti-government protests were driven by the opposition, NGOs, and activists over a law that aimed to limit Western influence by requiring any organization receiving 20% or more of its funding from foreign sources to register as a foreign agent.
- The government introduced an anti-LGBTQ+ bill, prompting sharp criticism from the U.S. and EU, which halted Georgia’s EU candidacy and suspended financial aid. The Georgian people will soon choose their nation’s path.
- Recent polls show strong support for the ruling Georgian Dream party, which backs strategic autonomy, while the opposition advocates for closer ties with the West and a push for EU membership.
Georgia, a country nestled in the scenic Caucasus region and formerly part of the Soviet Union, finds itself amid an intense geopolitical contest between Russia and the West. Despite its stable economy and small population, Georgia’s strategic position has made it a focal point in Eurasian politics.
What makes Georgia particularly important is that it’s not only a battleground for influence between Russia and the West but is also experiencing internal political shifts. Tensions have been escalating between the president, Salome Zourabichvili, and Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze. Notably, President Zourabichvili holds dual citizenship in Georgia and France, while the country is governed by the Georgian Dream party, led by Kobakhidze, who is known for his nationalist stance.
In the past year, several decisions made by the prime minister have been overturned or sent for reevaluation by the president. Zourabichvili is often seen as pro-Western, enjoying strong relations with Western leaders. In contrast, the Georgian Dream government is reluctant to fully engage in the broader West-Russia conflict. According to the prime minister, the West is seeking to use Georgia as a tool for its geopolitical and economic interests against Russia, a strategy he believes would ultimately harm Georgia.
The rift between the president and prime minister became evident in March 2023, following anti-government protests. These protests, driven by the opposition, NGOs, and activists, targeted the government’s perceived drift away from European values and alignment with Russia. Although the government quelled the protests, they led to heightened concerns for Prime Minister Kobakhidze, who responded by introducing the foreign agent law in early 2024.
This law aimed to limit Western influence by requiring any organization receiving 20% or more of its funding from foreign sources to register as a foreign agent. The bill was passed by parliament and sent to President Zourabichvili for approval. She rejected it, sending it back to parliament for revision, but under Georgian law, she could only do this once. After the bill was returned to her a second time, she was compelled to sign it into law. This incident further underscored the widening gap between the president and the prime minister.
Shortly after, the government introduced an anti-LGBTQ+ bill, which drew sharp criticism from both the United States and the European Union. In response, the EU halted Georgia’s candidacy for membership, a status the country has sought since 2008. Several financial aid packages were also suspended as a result.
More recently, the United Kingdom announced it would no longer maintain its annual diplomatic dialogue with Georgia, and funds previously allocated to the country were frozen. The international reaction, particularly from the U.S. and the EU, has been strong. The U.S. criticized Georgia’s new laws, accusing the government of leaning toward authoritarianism. This led to the cancellation of the annual diplomatic dialogue between the U.S. and Georgia. In August 2024, a joint military exercise planned between the two countries was also called off.
It’s worth noting that the Georgian Dream party came to power with the support of the Georgian people, not the American government. When the U.S. speaks of democracy, it should recognize that democracy is about respecting the people’s will. If Georgians back the foreign agent law, why is the U.S. so concerned? This situation raises broader questions about U.S. involvement and interference in the internal affairs of other nations.
The cancellation of military exercises and diplomatic talks points to possible American involvement in Georgia, which the foreign agent law now seeks to curb. This may explain the U.S.’s strong reaction. Ultimately, the U.S. needs to start respecting the sovereignty of other nations. Georgia is not an American satellite, and its people and government should have the freedom to make decisions without outside pressure.
At the same time, the Georgian people should reflect on President Zourabichvili’s role. While she holds the office of president, she must put the country’s interests first, not those of the West. She has often been criticized for being overly aligned with Western interests and now is a critical moment for Georgians to reassess the direction of their country.
On the other hand, Prime Minister Kobakhidze has made it clear that he prefers a pragmatic foreign policy. He does not want Georgia to become a battleground in the larger struggle between Russia and the West. Instead, he advocates for balanced relations with both sides, believing that Georgia’s security depends on maintaining strong ties with both Russia and the West. Both powers are important to Georgia’s future, and maintaining these relationships is crucial for the country’s stability.
All these developments are significant because Georgia is approaching a crucial parliamentary election this month. The Georgian people will decide the future course of their nation. According to recent opinion polls, the ruling Georgian Dream party, which supports strategic autonomy, enjoys considerable support. On the other hand, the opposition seeks closer alignment with the West and a stronger push for EU membership. While there is no inherent issue with joining the European family, the geopolitical realities of Georgia’s position make this a difficult and potentially risky path in the long term.
References:
Megha Joshy Mathew