Is Georgia's government abandoning EU integration, aligning with Russia | DW News

Key Concepts Georgia's contested parliamentary election (November 2024), Georgian Dream Party, pro-EU protests, EU accession talks, Russia's political influence, "LGBTQ propaganda" law, "foreign agents" label for NGOs, European values (freedom of speech, democracy, press freedom, tolerance, minority protection), government crackdown on opposition, Supreme Court's role in party bans, and strained international relations.

Political Crisis and Pro-EU Protests Georgia plunged into a political crisis following the November 2024 parliamentary elections, which many citizens and the European Union deemed "stolen." The ruling Georgian Dream Party, perceived to have close ties to Russia, claimed victory, sparking widespread outrage. In response, pro-EU protesters, like Tiona Pankashilli in Gori, have maintained daily demonstrations every evening at 6:00 PM in front of local administration buildings, accusing the government of abandoning Europe and aligning with Russia. Tiona Pankashilli emphasized the importance of these protests: "It's very important to come here for every day uh to set to our government that you are illegal to save our country uh to save our future and independence." While initial protests a year ago saw massive crowds outside the Parliament building, current gatherings in Tbilisi, though peaceful, are smaller, ranging from dozens to a few hundred people.

Government's Stance and Alleged Pro-Russian Drift The Georgian government officially maintains its constitutional commitment to EU membership. However, critics argue its actions contradict this stance. Following the EU's rejection of the election results and calls for sanctions, the government suspended talks on EU accession. Andro Barnov, a former member of the administration of the imprisoned ex-president Mikail Sakashilli, now living on his vineyard, asserts that Georgia is losing its way, stating: "We feel that we're not even free to make decisions because there's a dictate from this Russia and the government is just following those uh u directions that are dictated from the Kremlin."

Barnov and others point to several government policies that mirror those in Russia:

• Banning Opposition Parties: Parliament has moved to ban three major opposition parties, with the issue currently awaiting decision by the Supreme Court.
• Persecution of Politicians: Opposition figures face persecution.
• "LGBTQ Propaganda" Law: A law prohibiting so-called LGBTQ propaganda has been enacted, reflecting a conservative social agenda.
• "Foreign Agents" Label: Many Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) have been labeled "foreign agents," a move seen as stifling civil society and dissent.

Pro-government analyst Gia Abashidz dismisses the opposition's efforts as futile, arguing: "Problem of this opposition that they are activists is it's not only anti-Georgian dream, it's anti-Georgian values, anti-tradition, anti-urch. So once you attack core Georgian values, you will always lose." The government, however, insists it has no "cozy relationship" with Moscow, claiming it is merely trying to keep the country stable in a complicated region, especially amidst Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine.

Public Opinion and European Values Despite the government's actions, public sentiment overwhelmingly favors EU integration. Approximately 80% of Georgians still aspire to join the European Union. While core European values like freedom of speech, democracy, and press freedom are widely accepted, other concepts such as tolerance and the protection of minorities, particularly sexual minorities, are contentious. Many Georgians outright reject these, with some even labeling them "LGBTQ propaganda." Georgian society remains largely conservative, with a clear split between more liberal cities and traditional villages. European migration policy is also a point of contention for many.

Risks and Challenges for Protesters Protesting in Georgia has become increasingly risky. Authorities now label these gatherings as illegal and have initiated crackdowns, leading to arrests. The ruling party often dismisses protesters as "troublemakers paid by someone else." While the scale of protests has diminished from the "massive crowds" seen a year ago, individuals like Tiona Pankashilli remain committed, viewing the fight for Georgia's European future as "worth it." Many in the "middle generation," who once believed in the possibility of change, are now reportedly "bitterly disappointed."

International Relations and EU Support Relations between Georgia and the EU are currently strained, with EU membership negotiations suspended. External support for the opposition is described as "tricky." Foreign NGOs face the "foreign agent" label, and Western politicians are accused of "meddling in domestic affairs." A notable example is the German ambassador, who faced a wave of hate speech and eventually left the country, highlighting the "disastrous" state of relations.

Conclusion Georgia stands at a critical crossroads, grappling with a profound political crisis. The country's constitutional aspiration for EU membership is challenged by a government whose policies and actions are widely perceived as pro-Russian and authoritarian. While a significant majority of the population desires European integration, societal conservatism on certain European values complicates this path. The government's crackdown on opposition and protests, coupled with severely strained international relations, underscores the fragility of Georgia's democratic future and its trajectory towards Europe. The ongoing struggle highlights a nation torn between its European dreams and a leadership accused of drifting towards a Russian model.