Behind The Lines with Arthur Snell Georgia: fighting to be European
Dec 4, 2024
Marika Mariashvili, a prominent Georgian politician and foreign secretary for the DROA party, dives into her country's struggle for democracy amidst political turmoil. She discusses the massive protests against election rigging and police brutality, fueled by the public's desire for EU membership. Mariashvili highlights the psychological impact of state oppression on citizens and emphasizes the resilience of the democracy movement. She also explores the potential role the European Union could play in supporting reforms and combating corruption.
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Georgian Protests and Government Response
- In March 2023, Georgians protested against a Russian-style foreign agents law, leading to a government retreat.
- However, the government reintroduced the law in April 2024, demonstrating a pattern of tactical retreat and resurgence.
Implications of the Foreign Agents Law
- The foreign agents law equates accepting Western aid with being a spy, effectively demonizing the West.
- Georgian civil society relies heavily on Western support, making this law particularly damaging.
Georgian Dream's Pro-Russian Shift
- The Georgian Dream party, initially not perceived as pro-Russian, gradually revealed its alignment with the Kremlin after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
- Despite this, the party gained control over all state institutions, making it challenging for the opposition.