Georgia is spiraling toward chaos as protests escalate over what many view as rigged parliamentary elections held on October 26, 2024. The political crisis has captured public attention, as thousands of demonstrators notice the growing discontent with the ruling Georgian Dream party, which is widely considered to be operating under Russian influence.
On December 22, President Salome Zourabichvili addressed hundreds of thousands at a pro-European rally on Rustaveli Avenue, demanding new parliamentary elections. "Let’s meet at the presidential administration and discuss new parliamentary elections," she urged, calling on Bidzina Ivanishvili—the honorary chairman of Georgian Dream—to participate. Her invitation signifies not only her plea for dialogue but also her insistence on Ivanishvili’s influence, stating, "After all, he is the one pulling all the strings." This call for unity among political leaders aims to restore legitimacy to Georgia’s governance.
Despite her attempts at negotiation, Zourabichvili faces hostility from the current government, with Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze even hinting at the possibility of her imprisonment should she continue to refuse to relinquish her position before the inauguration of the newly elected president, Mikheil Kavelashvili, scheduled for December 29. "Anyone who says a [revolution] is being born here is lying, as they do about so much else. What reigns here is peace, love, and freedom," she asserted defiantly, dismissing the government's threats and reaffirming her position as the legitimate leader of Georgia.
The October elections drew extensive criticism both domestically and internationally, with Zourabichvili declaring them fraudulent. She accused the government of undermining democracy and emphasized the need for fresh elections, calling them the only viable solution to restore faith among the constituents. The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) corroborated her remarks by stating the elections were marred by irregularities, including fraud and intimidation tactics against voters.
Nika Gilauri, former Prime Minister of Georgia, echoed Zourabichvili’s sentiments during an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital. He claimed the current political situation mirrors Russian-style electoral manipulation, with the recent elections dubbed as "rigged" and lacking credibility. Gilauri firmly argued, "We have no credible or legitimate parliament right now." He also suggested the outcomes favor Russian President Vladimir Putin’s agenda, especially as Moscow celebrates Georgia's pause on its European integration.
Public sentiment against Georgian Dream has intensified, leading to weeks of sustained protests across the country. Demonstrators are not only opposing the results of the October elections but also the party's efforts to align more closely with Russia rather than the European Union—a significant shift from Georgia's longstanding aspirations to join the EU. Reports indicate thousands braved freezing conditions over the past month to voice their dissent, demonstrating commitment to their cause. Amnesty International documented over 460 arrests, with at least 300 individuals facing severe mistreatment.
Zourabichvili, who has become the face of these protests, continues to call for Ivanishvili and other party leaders to negotiate resolutions, insisting on the need for elections to restore democracy. “I am ready to sit down and find a solution on how to schedule elections, but the decision must be agreed upon by the 29th,” she posted on X, underscoring her urgency.
The situation grows more complex as political tensions rise. Georgian Dream has showcased legitimacy through its claimed electoral victory, garnering approximately 54% of the votes against the opposition’s 38%. It remains ambiguous whether the protests will yield any results before the inauguration of Kavelashvili as reactions from the ruling party continue to dismiss the opposition's claims.
Western observers, including European Council President Charles Michel, are growing concerned and have called for investigations to tackle the alleged election irregularities. Zourabichvili’s continued insistence on being Georgia's legitimate leader may put her at risk as days progress and the December 29 deadline approaches.
With Georgia fervently divided over its political future, the population’s strong desire for EU membership remains evident, with polls reflecting upward of 83% support for integration. Yet the ruling party has put ambitions on hold, invoking contentious domestic policies such as the “foreign agent” law, which has drawn international ire, leading to U.S. sanctions against officials involved.
Georgia stands at the crossroads of its democracy with Zourabichvili and Gilauri illuminating the dangers of losing its European identity to Russian encroachments. The fervor of protests signals the populace's unwillingness to relent, as they continue to seek accountability from their leaders and validate their aspirations for democratic governance. The coming days will test the resilience of Georgia’s political fabric and the legitimacy of its democratic institutions, paving the way for potential new elections and possible change before the new year.
