Since its foundation by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvilia and rise to power in 2012, the now far-right Georgian Dream party has worked to strategically erode Georgia’s already fragile democracy. Russian authoritarian influence has left a mark on the Georgian government as they continue to veer away from democracy and more closely resemble an authoritarian regime. Increased backlash against the ruling party stemmed from the most recent parliamentary election in 2024 in which the Georgian Dream party used fraud to win. Through their suppression of opposition forces over the years, the Georgian Dream party has succeeded in furthering their regime and continues to threaten Georgia’s future as a truly democratic nation.
A crucial aspect of democracy, free and fair elections have not been taking place in Georgia. The October 2024 parliamentary elections were won with fraudulent votes. As if their fraud wasn’t enough, the government did not respect the citizens’ backlash. Mass protests that demanded a new election were responded to with force that injured and arrested many on weak charges. While the elections were available for people to participate in, they were not fair as demonstrated by the fraud that kept the current regime in power although the majority of Georgians were against this.
Following the reelection of the Georgian Dream parliament in October 2024, the parliament elected a new president in December. The only candidate on the ballot, anti-Western and pro-Russian Mikheil Kavelashvili was elected. This election was also met with protest from the opposition and more violent backlash from government forces including violence against journalists. These tactics denounce political opposition and disregard their presence and legitimacy, just like those under Russia’s authoritarianism. Mutual toleration is nonexistent, and all opposition are seen as the enemy. The Georgian protesters see their government as an instrument of Russia’s ideals which continue to be spread farther and farther into Georgia. The people’s ideals, leaning left and siding with Europe, are not represented.
Passed only months before the October 2024 election, one policy that has signified the Georgian Dream’s goals is the Foreign Agents Law. The all-telling common name for this law is the “Russian Law”. It targets actors like the media and NGOs who are against the government by requiring them to register as foreign agents if they are receiving foreign funding. Therefore any opposition that has enough significance to to be heard is targeted. This registration allows the government to easily beat and detain those associated with such groups. Yet again, this law was met with protest and violent repression. The Georgian government is exercising repression in any way they can, including physically and legislatively, to dismantle and silence the opposing views. Additionally, opposition party leaders are specifically targeted in protest arrests to disrupt their parties’ activities.
With increasing amounts of leaders imprisoned, the opposition parties (especially the leading opposition party Lelo) are at a disadvantage to successfully organize against the Georgian Dream party. A strong and unified opposition is needed to make real change, and the government is making this increasingly difficult to execute. This was their goal, to suppress the opposition’s ability to organize and act effectively against the government. The very name of the Georgian Dream party embodies its populist nature, acting as if their ideals represent the will of the Georgian people even though that is beyond false. If they can continue to alter government policies to display their voice as the only legitimate one, democracy in Georgia will continue to diminish.
References:
https://www.journalofdemocracy.org/online-exclusive/why-georgias-democracy-is-collapsing/
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/georgian-ruling-party-candidate-kavelashvili-becomes-president-with-countrys-eu-bid-in-limbo
https://www.icnl.org/wp-content/uploads/ICNL_Brief-on-Georgia-FARA_fv.pdf
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