Georgia is increasingly resembling Russia
Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of the ruling party Georgian Dream, seems to follow the principle of "Divide et impera" as he resurrects old tensions and creates new societal divides.
Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of the ruling party Georgian Dream, seems to follow the principle of "Divide et impera" as he resurrects old tensions and creates new societal divides.
Georgians are eagerly awaiting the parliamentary elections on October 26, and there are signs that the ruling party's mechanisms for deriving private benefits may falter. Recent polls indicate that over 54% of respondents plan to vote for opposition parties, signaling a desire for a change in government.
Ivanishvili's aggressive campaign tactics seem to stem from a fear of failure. Just a few months ago, Georgian Dream passed a "Russian law" targeting independent media and non-governmental organizations. Now, they have approved a law against "LGBTQ+ propaganda," banning same-sex marriage and adoption and attempting to erase the LGBTQ+ community from the public sphere.
Recently, Ivanishvili promised to delegitimize the entire opposition, blaming them for the war lost to Russia in 2008. He also plans to apologize to South Ossetia for an attack 16 years ago, which has angered many Georgians. Despite the complex circumstances surrounding the 2008 conflict, Ivanishvili's focus on delegitimizing the opposition seems unwavering.
Georgian Dream uses various methods to attract and bribe voters, such as pampering the Georgian church, announcing amnesty, and increasing retiree benefits. They have also changed the electoral code to their advantage. While these tactics have been successful in the past, the upcoming elections could bring change.
Ivanishvili's gradual introduction of divisive topics may indicate that the Georgian Dream's victory is less certain. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze's new election program for October 1 may further erode democracy in Georgia. It's essential not to remain indifferent to these developments. We'll have to wait and see what the coming weeks bring."
I'm Agnieszka Filipiak, a journalist from Poland. Since 2008, I've been deeply engaged in the events of the South Caucasus region. My newsletter aims to offer valuable insights into the issues surrounding Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.
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