One year of protests in Georgia since halted EU talks | DW News

Key Concepts

• Disputed Parliamentary Election: An election whose results are contested due to alleged irregularities.
• Anti-European and Pro-Russian Government: A government perceived as favoring Russia and distancing itself from European integration.
• EU Accession Process: The formal procedure for a country to join the European Union.
• Civil Rights Violations: Infringements upon the fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens.
• Internal Migration: Movement of people from one region to another within a country, often driven by socio-political factors.
• Resignation: A feeling of acceptance of an undesirable situation, often leading to a cessation of active struggle.
• Opposition Parties: Political parties that are not in power and aim to challenge the ruling government.

Political Climate in Georgia: One Year Post-Election

One year after a disputed parliamentary election, Georgia is experiencing significant political tension, characterized by a stark choice between continued protest ("fight") and a sense of apathy or surrender ("resignation"). The core of the ongoing unrest stems from widespread protests against the current government, which many perceive as adopting an "anti-European and pro-Russian" stance.

Stalled EU Integration and Allegations of Rights Violations

A major consequence of the perceived shift in government policy has been the halting of the negotiation process for Georgia's accession to the European Union. Since this halt, which has lasted for nearly a year, protestors allege that the government has been systematically violating civil rights, with injustice becoming a "main course" of governance.

The government, however, vehemently rejects these accusations. They maintain that Georgia has no intention of aligning with Moscow and assert that diplomatic ties with Russia are minimal, with no concrete evidence of collaboration with the Kremlin.

Shifting Public Mood and Generational Divide

While young activists remain steadfast, camping day and night in front of the parliament, a different sentiment is emerging across the country. A growing number of citizens, particularly those over 50, are expressing frustration and skepticism regarding the possibility of achieving meaningful change. This sentiment is articulated by one individual who feels "underutilized" and unable to act on their desire to "do something," describing it as "not a nice feeling."

This feeling of disillusionment is contributing to "internal migration," a quiet withdrawal from active political engagement. The perception of disastrous relations with the EU further fuels this sense of resignation, leading many to question if the "dream of accession is over." Despite this, it is noted that "80% of the Georgian society is conventional about the European values and about the future, European future."

Shrinking Space for Opposition and Increased Risks

As the nights in Tbilisi grow colder, the risks associated with protesting are escalating. Activists are facing arrests, and the country's three largest opposition parties are reportedly "on the verge of being banned." This situation indicates a rapidly diminishing "space to fight" for the opposition in Georgia.

Conclusion

The situation in Georgia one year after the disputed election highlights a deep societal division and a challenging political landscape. While a dedicated core of young activists continues to protest against a government perceived as moving away from European integration and towards Russia, a significant portion of the population, especially older generations, is experiencing resignation due to perceived government injustices and stalled EU accession. The shrinking political space for opposition parties and the increasing risks for activists paint a grim picture for the future of democratic engagement and European aspirations in the country.