The opposition claims that Georgia is becoming increasingly similar to Russia politically | DW News

Key Concepts

• Protests in Georgia: Demonstrations against the government's halt of EU accession talks and perceived anti-Western/pro-Russian course.
• EU Accession: Georgia's aspiration to join the European Union, which was halted by the government.
• Government Crackdown: Restrictions on public assembly, rights groups, and independent media.
• Opposition Activism: Efforts by opposition figures and the majority of society to advocate for European integration and democratic values.
• "Anti-European" and "Pro-Russian" Course: Accusations leveled by the opposition against the Georgian government's policies.
• Civil Rights Violations: Allegations of the government infringing upon fundamental freedoms.
• "European Values": Concepts such as tolerance and minority rights, which the opposition argues are compatible with Georgian culture.
• Government Propaganda: Accusations of the ruling party using divisive rhetoric and misinformation.
• Authoritarianism: Concerns that the ruling party is moving towards an authoritarian or dictatorial regime.
• Foreign Agent Labeling: Designation of some political foundations as "foreign agents," seen as interference in domestic politics.
• Presidential Conditions for EU Membership: President Mikheil Kalabishvili's stated conditions for Georgia's EU accession, including EU recognition of his government and the initiation of dialogue.

Protests and Government Response

Thousands of protesters marched through Tbilisi to mark one year of demonstrations that began when the government halted talks on joining the European Union. The initial large-scale rallies saw crowds gather outside parliament, leading to clashes with police. In response, authorities implemented a crackdown on public assembly and restricted the activities of rights groups and independent media. While pro-EU rallies have since scaled back, they continue daily.

Opposition's Grievances and Arguments

Opposition activist David Shiked, in an exclusive interview with DW, detailed the opposition's fight against what they term an "anti-European and pro-Russian course" by the government. Key grievances include:

• Hysterical Anti-Western Propaganda: The regime's initiation of what is described as "hysterical anti-western propaganda."
• Halt of EU Negotiation Process: The government's decision to stop the beginning of negotiations for EU membership.
• Violation of Civil Rights: For nearly a year, the government has allegedly been violating civil rights, with injustice becoming the "main course of the government."

Debate on "European Values"

Critics suggest that while Georgians are for Europe, certain "so-called European values," such as the protection of minority groups (national, ethnic, and sexual minorities), are not acceptable for Georgia, which is described as a conservative country.

David Shiked refutes this, calling it "absolute speculation of the Georgian values." He argues that Georgia has been part of European civilization since antiquity and that tolerance is deeply ingrained in Georgian culture and society, existing for centuries. He asserts that the country is not divided into more traditional rural areas and liberal big cities, stating that such claims are "all propaganda and some kind of provocation" in a "very much Russian style." He emphasizes that Georgian society has never been intolerant towards minorities.

Unity of Society and Opposition

Shiked claims that not only the opposition but "80% of the society is united" on European values and Georgia's European future. While some express their positions more bravely or vocally than others, the majority is conventional about these values.

Government's Stance on Negotiations and Opposition's View

The ruling Georgian Dream party suggests that street protests are ineffective and that negotiation and compromise within parliament are preferable. However, Shiked dismisses this, stating that the ruling party has declared it is holding accession negotiation processes with the EU, but he no longer considers it a "government" due to "some kind of authoritarianism which is getting closer and closer towards the dictatorship." He highlights the imprisonment of political leaders and the lack of negotiation space with civil society, NGOs, or political parties, characterizing the ruling party's agenda as "very tough authoritarian."

Current Protest Momentum and Risks

DW correspondent Yuri Rashetto reports from Tbilisi that while the current situation is quiet, the previous night's protest was the largest in weeks, with Rustavi Avenue blocked. Protesters marched to Beethoven's Ode to Joy, which has become an anthem for the opposition. Organizers claimed 30,000 attendees, though a few thousand were confirmed. The crowd size is significantly smaller than a year ago, with many older individuals feeling let down and disengaging from street protests.

Rashetto notes that the opposition claims Georgia is becoming politically similar to Russia, particularly in its crackdown on critical individuals. Several opposition leaders have been arrested, and the country's three largest opposition parties are reportedly on the verge of being banned. The Supreme Court is expected to decide on this in the coming days. The approaching colder weather increases the risks of arrest for the opposition.

External Support and Foreign Agent Labeling

External support for the opposition is increasingly viewed as interference in domestic politics, leading to some political foundations being labeled as "so-called foreign agents."

Presidential Conditions for EU Membership

Despite these challenges, many believe Georgia will join the European Union, a sentiment shared by President Mikheil Kalabishvili. When asked about Georgia's potential EU accession date, he stated 2030, but under specific conditions. These include:

1. EU Recognition of Legitimacy: The EU must recognize his government as legitimate.
2. Initiation of Dialogue: The EU must "finally start a dialogue," which he claims is not currently taking place.

Conclusion

The situation in Georgia is marked by a year-long protest movement advocating for EU integration, met with government resistance and a perceived crackdown on civil liberties. The opposition accuses the government of pursuing an anti-Western and authoritarian agenda, while the government denies these claims and points to its own conditions for EU membership, including recognition of its legitimacy and the commencement of dialogue. The future of the protests and Georgia's EU aspirations remain uncertain, with significant political and social divisions at play.