“As Georgia stands at a crossroads, the path it chooses will define its democratic trajectory and aspirations for European integration,” writes Ketevan Chachava, executive director of the Center for Development and Democracy, in her article. “The Georgian people deserve support. Far more is at stake than democracy in Georgia; it is part of a global struggle between freedom and oppression and the very idea of Europe,“ says Vasil “Dato” Sikharulidze, former Georgian defense minister and ambassador to the United States. Read these opinions about the current situation in Georgia from two ICDR members.
Ketevan Chachava
Member of the ICDR, executive director of the Center for Development and Democracy
The October 26, 2024 parliamentary elections in Georgia have ignited a profound political crisis, underscored by widespread allegations of electoral misconduct. International observers, including the OSCE/ODIHR, documented serious violations such as voter intimidation, secrecy of the vote, and the misuse of administrative resources, creating an uneven playing field that undermined trust in the electoral process. In response, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on November 28, condemning the elections as neither free nor fair and calling for new elections under international supervision.
As a reaction to the resolution, the ruling Georgian Dream party’s announcement to halt EU accession efforts until 2028, coupled with its rejection of EU budget support, has only fueled public discontent. The domestic fallout has been significant. Mass protests have erupted across Tbilisi and other regions, with demonstrators calling for respect for constitutional principles—particularly Article 78, which underscores Georgia’s aspiration for European and Euro-Atlantic integration. Demands are simple: Fresh elections, return to the path toward EU membership and the release of unlawfully detained protesters. With protests growing daily, it is becoming increasingly evident that they are non-partisan and transcend barriers of age, profession, and background, reflecting an inclusive and broad-based movement.
The government’s response has been marked by repression. Reports indicate the use of disproportionate force against peaceful protesters, including water cannons and tear gas in freezing conditions. Journalists and media representatives have been targeted, with assaults aimed at silencing independent reporting. Alarmingly, there are widespread accounts of violence in police custody, unauthorized raids on political party offices, and arbitrary arrests—violations that contravene Georgia’s criminal code. Over 500 individuals have been detained, with many reporting police brutality, which has also been confirmed by Georgia’s Public Defender as well as numerous video/photo materials.
Internationally, the crisis has drawn sharp criticism. The U.S. Department of State announced it is suspending its strategic partnership with Georgia in light of these developments. Baltic states have also imposed individual sanctions on Georgian politicians, signaling mounting regional frustration. Germany has suspended development cooperation, while the U.K. in addition to suspending all program support to the Georgian government, restricted defense cooperation, and limited engagement with representatives of the GD government “until there is a halt to this move away from European democratic norms and freedoms.” The European Union and the United States have urged the Georgian government to investigate electoral violations and uphold the rights of peaceful assembly.
As Georgia stands at a crossroads, the path it chooses will define its democratic trajectory and aspirations for European integration. The resilience of the Georgian people and the steadfast support of the international community are pivotal in this critical period. Sustained international attention and solidarity with the Georgian people are essential to uphold democratic principles and protect fundamental rights.
Vasil ‘Dato’ Sikharulidze
Member of the ICDR, former Georgian defense minister and ambassador to the United States
Since coming to power in 2012, Bidzina Ivanishvili, an oligarch who made his fortune in Russia, has steered Georgia toward a Russian-style kleptocratic state, consolidating power through propaganda, corruption, and loyalty-driven appointments. Over 12 years of state capture, he seized control of the country’s institutions and much of its economy. He has also worked to gradually derail the country from its EU and Euro-Atlantic integration course, which the overwhelming majority of Georgians support. His alignment with Russia became undeniable following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Georgia, once celebrated for its effective governance reforms and leadership, has gradually descended into decline.
The October 26 general elections were seen by many as a chance to change course. However, they became a major disappointment. The elections were marred by fraud, voter intimidation, and manipulation, undermining Georgia’s democratic foundations. Observers reported ballot stuffing and nearly total breaches of ballot secrecy. U.S. pollsters concluded that the results announced by the Electoral Commission were statistically implausible. Many argue that these systemic violations mean the announced results do not reflect the will of Georgian citizens. No major opposition party has recognized the results.
President Salome Zourabichvili described the elections as a “Russian special operation” aimed at derailing Georgia’s European integration. Despite ongoing legal challenges and an opposition boycott, the Georgian Dream party convened parliament with only its 86 members on November 25, in violation of the constitution. Days later, the self-proclaimed prime minister announced the suspension of Georgia’s European Union integration process. This decision defies the will of most Georgians, who overwhelmingly support Euro-Atlantic integration, and violates Georgia’s constitution, which enshrines its commitment to European and NATO integration.
Thousands of Georgians have since taken to the streets, demanding new elections under international supervision. Protesters’ calls for democracy and European integration starkly oppose Ivanishvili’s pro-Russian agenda.
The regime’s response has been marked by severe repression. Peaceful demonstrators face brutal crackdowns, with police reportedly beating, detaining, and torturing protesters. Journalists have been targeted, exposing the regime’s disdain for democratic norms. These actions, preorganized by the ruling elite, aim to terrorize citizens and suppress dissent. As of today, over 460 protesters have been arrested, more than 300 have been beaten and tortured after arrest, and not a single police officer has been punished. For a nation of 3.6 million, this is a staggering number. Despite this, the people of Georgia continue their protests, with tens of thousands taking to the streets, risking their freedom and health.
The Georgian people deserve support. Far more is at stake than democracy in Georgia; it is part of a global struggle between freedom and oppression and the very idea of Europe. The international community must go beyond words and impose real costs on the regime. Targeted sanctions against Ivanishvili and his cronies for election manipulation, rights abuses, and attacks on democracy are urgently needed.
Georgia’s fight is not just a domestic issue—it is a battle for democracy, European values, and strategic geo-economic interests. Supporting Georgians with decisive actions, such as sanctions, is a moral and strategic imperative for the free world.
Protesters have made their demands clear: new elections under international supervision, the release of political prisoners, and a return to the EU integration course. These demands represent the will of the Georgian people and their commitment to democratic principles and European values.
The views expressed in these works are the responsibility of its authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Forum 2000 Foundation or its staff.
