Georgia’s Election Raises Concerns of Dictatorship and EU Accession

Fears are mounting ahead of Georgia’s upcoming election as concerns grow over the country’s path towards potential dictatorship and its chances of joining the European Union (EU). Although Georgia was granted EU candidate status, the process was halted due to a controversial law targeting non-governmental organizations and media outlets, likened to Russia’s foreign agent bill.

The ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party, led by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, has instigated worries by threatening to ban major opposition parties if they win the election. GD’s shift in foreign policy towards Russia and away from the EU has caused alarm, with opposition parties uniting against the perceived autocratic threat.

Many suspect billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili is pushing this new direction, advocating an anti-Western stance and cultivating support for resetting relations with Russia. However, skepticism remains about GD’s commitment to EU integration, with accusations that their pro-EU rhetoric serves as a distraction for opposition voters.

As tensions rise and concerns of election fraud and political repression grow, Georgia faces the risk of descending into authoritarianism, raising comparisons to Belarus. Still, despite external threats and internal turmoil, Georgia’s future remains uncertain as it navigates its complex geopolitical landscape.

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