Georgia is undergoing significant political turmoil as outgoing President Salome Zourabichvili has called for urgent intervention from the European Union, amid widespread protests demanding fresh elections. These protests erupted after the ruling Georgian Dream party suspended negotiations to join the EU, igniting frustration among tens of thousands of citizens who took to the streets. President Zourabichvili, addressing the European Parliament, stressed the necessity for Europe to use its leverage as Georgia’s primary donor and biggest market to push for democratic reforms.
Since the October 2024 parliamentary elections, which were marred by allegations of rigged results, the legitimacy of the Georgian government has faced increasing scrutiny. Zourabichvili, who has been vocal against the ruling party’s actions, argued, “Europe needs to find the leverage to act. If Europe cannot exert leverage on a country of 3.7 million, how can it expect to compete with the giants of the 21st century?” Her calls for support come at a time when the police's forceful dispersal of peaceful protestors has only deepened the crisis.
The Georgian Dream party recently elected Mikheil Kavelashvili, a former football player, as the new president, but this move has been met with fierce resistance. Zourabichvili, who considers Kavelashvili’s election illegitimate due to the circumstances under which it occurred, announced her intention to remain in office until new elections are held, emphasizing, “The only peaceful way forward is to repeat freely the elections held on Oct. 26.”
Despite being granted candidate status for EU membership just months prior, the accession process was abruptly put on hold this summer after the government passed the controversial "foreign influence" law. This law, viewed by many as hostile to democratic freedoms, elicited widespread criticisms and was perceived as moving Georgia closer to Russian influence. The EU reacted by imposing visa restrictions on Georgian officials, yet critics argue these measures fall short of what is necessary to compel significant change.
During her impassioned plea to the EU lawmakers, Zourabichvili lamented the delays and slow responses from Europe, stating, “If we are honest, Europe has not been up to the task...We need political support and attention at the highest levels.” She highlighted how the democratic aspirations of the Georgian people are being undermined by their government, which she accused of violating human rights and using oppressive tactics against dissenters.
The situation is exacerbated by accusations from opposition parties and international observers who have labeled the October election results as illegitimate. Mikheil Kavelashvili's election is viewed as part of the ruling party's strategy to tighten its grip on power and resist any genuine democratic processes. Jelger Groeneveld, who has extensively studied Georgia's political climate, commented, “This is a political coup, under the guise of false elections,” reflecting the dismay within civil society.
With rising fears of authoritarianism taking root, Zourabichvili's assertions about the urgency of international support gain traction. “If Georgia falls under Russian control... the stakes are very high,” she noted, raising alarm over the potential geopolitical ramifications not just for Georgia, but for Europe as a whole. The strategic importance of Georgia, often described as Europe’s foothold against Russian expansionism, was underscored by the president’s comments.
Many EU officials have voiced their disappointment over the developments, with calls to uphold democratic values now more vociferous than ever. The European Parliament has urged for new elections under international scrutiny, recognizing the pressing need to reinforce freedom of assembly and expression within the country. Yet, the EU's response has been marked by hesitance, especially as member states grapple with differing opinions on how to deal with Tbilisi's growing ties to Moscow.
The apparent tension highlights the complex relationship between Georgia and the EU, compounded by the realities of Russian influence. Many Georgians deeply desire EU membership and oppose the Georgian Dream's pivot back toward Russia, which they view as abandonment of their aspirations for democracy and prosperity.
Recently, the streets of Tbilisi have become battlegrounds for civil liberties, as citizens demand their voices to be heard, refusing to accept governance from those they deem illegitimate. The opposition has rallied against the government’s actions, urging the EU to take decisive action rather than opting for slow diplomatic dialogues.
The European response must now match the urgency of Georgia's plight, as Zourabichvili concluded, “If we allow the hopes of the Georgian people to be extinguished, it will signal to the world the failure of Western democratic values at this important juncture.” With both presidents claiming legitimacy, Georgia faces not just internal strife, but the potential unraveling of its commitment to democratic norms at the national and international level, making the stakes higher than ever.
