Georgia has been rocked by massive protests against a controversial law on transparency of foreign influence, defying President Salome Zurabishvili’s veto. The young, spirited protesters in Tbilisi and beyond are rejecting party control and standing up against violent repression, asserting their European identity and resistance to Russian influence. This impassioned call for a European future poses a significant challenge to European authorities amidst political uncertainty.
Decades of Georgian political history have been shaped by protests leading to changes in power, from coups to popular uprisings. The country’s political landscape is dominated by ad hoc parties focused on personalities rather than policies, with non-governmental organizations influencing public discourse but also contributing to depoliticization.
Structural weakness of the political system
The Georgian Dream party’s shift towards aligning with Russia has alienated a significant portion of society, while the fragmented opposition lacks credibility. Intimidation tactics against dissenters, coupled with repressive laws, highlight the political system’s vulnerabilities. Major demonstrations have historically played a crucial role in shaping Georgian politics, with differing visions of the country’s future on display in recent protests.
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