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.
Georgians are uniting against a repressive government obstructing their EU aspirations, demonstrating resilience amidst protests and state violence.
The recent elections exposed severe electoral fraud, igniting public demand for international oversight and reforms to ensure a fair democratic process.
Deep dives
Resistance Against Authoritarianism
Georgians are currently engaged in a struggle against an authoritarian government that obstructs their aspiration to join the European Union. Following a controversial election marked by allegations of fraud and manipulation, the pro-Western opposition came together in coalitions to overthrow the ruling party, Georgian Dream. The government, often viewed as pro-Russian despite its initial pro-Western facade, has faced considerable public opposition, particularly during protests against a proposed foreign influence law. These protests have galvanized citizens and highlighted the urgent need for democracy and alignment with European values.
Manipulation of Elections
The recent elections in Georgia have raised serious concerns regarding electoral integrity, as numerous irregularities were reported. Allegations include instances of coercion, intimidation, and ballot transparency issues, leading to fears over voter privacy. The opposition's expectations for a fair election were crushed when it became evident that the ruling party, through various fraudulent means, significantly inflated its vote count. Analysis suggested that up to 15 percent of the ruling party's reported votes resulted from technical fraud, underscoring the severity of the electoral crisis.
Emerging Protests and Popular Sentiment
The atmosphere of discontent has spurred spontaneous protests across Georgia, with citizens rallying against government actions that disregard their pro-European aspirations. The population displayed notable resilience and determination during demonstrations, challenging state repression and mobilizing against police brutality. As protests escalated in size and intensity, the government's crackdown also intensified, leading to a cycle of increasing violence and civil unrest. This environment has transformed the protests from previous, lighter-spirited encounters to a grave struggle for the nation’s democratic future.
Hope for a Democratic Transition
Amid escalating tensions, there remains a glimmer of hope for Georgia's democracy as collective opposition and international support emerge. The demand for new elections under international oversight resonates strongly with the Georgian populace, who strive for a political environment devoid of partisanship and corruption. Additionally, targeted sanctions and travel bans against officials are suggested as potential measures to diminish the ruling party's grip on power. With heightened public awareness and participation, many believe this moment could be pivotal for achieving long-term democratic goals.
With bewildering events unfolding all over the place, I wanted to give some coverage to the Republic of Georgia, where the pro-Western political movement is responding to a rigged election and the decision of the illegitimate Moscow-aligned 'Georgian Dream' to block negotiations to join the EU, in spite of the fervent wish of most Georgians to join the bloc. Huge demonstrations have broken out all over the country, in spite of intimidation and violence from police and security forces, some of whom may be Russian imports.
I was privileged to be able to speak to Marika Mariashvili, a politician and academic who has been active at the heart of the democracy movement in the country. You can (and should!) follow Marika on BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/marikamikiashvili.bsky.social or Twitter https://x.com/Mikiashvili_M. This is genuinely a transitional moment in this country's story.