GEORGIAN DREAM/AFP
Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of Georgian Dream, is facing pressure from four opposition groups.
Just three days before the crucial election in Georgia, Ivanishvili addressed thousands of supporters, emphasizing the choice for peace over war.
After being in power for 12 years, Georgian Dream, led by Ivanishvili, is in a tight race against four opposition groups to retain control in the Caucasus state.
The party alleges that the opposition is trying to involve Georgia in the conflict in Ukraine, while the opposition argues that the election is a decision between aligning with Russia under Georgian Dream or with Europe.
Ivanishvili, considered the most influential figure in Georgia, urged the crowd at Liberty Square to strive for a European future based on equality.
Despite strong support in Georgia for joining the EU, the process was halted this year due to concerns raised by Brussels regarding the government’s democratic practices.
The opposition accuses Georgian Dream of undermining Georgia’s EU aspirations, although the party maintains they are still on track to join by 2030.
While opinion polls in Georgia are not deemed entirely reliable, the latest survey suggests that Georgian Dream may win the election, but the combined strength of the four opposition parties could surpass them.
GEORGIAN DREAM/AFP
Georgian Dream supporters filled Liberty Square in Tbilisi on Tuesday.
Last Sunday, the opposition gathered in Liberty Square and surrounding areas with Georgian and EU flags waving high.
This time, it was Georgian Dream’s turn as their supporters, carrying Georgian and party flags, made their way towards the stage chanting in support of the party.
Ivanishvili, the billionaire founder and honorary chairman of the party, addressed the crowd from behind protective glass.
Tbilisi Mayor and Georgian Dream general secretary Kakha Kaladze echoed the message, accusing external forces of interfering in the upcoming elections: “We reject being influenced by others and refuse to be subservient.”
These statements may not resonate well in Tbilisi and other major cities, but they have a different impact in rural areas and regions.
“I may not support Georgian Dream, but I detest the National Movement – at least with peace, we can coexist,” said Lali, a 68-year-old voter from north of Tbilisi.
Georgians vividly recall the conflict with Russia in 2008 during the National Movement’s rule, and a significant portion of the country remains occupied.
However, there are concerns about the fairness of the election process, with reports of intimidation tactics against public servants, teachers, and firefighters to sway their votes towards the government.
Vano Chkhikvadze, EU Integration Program Manager at the Civil Society Foundation, highlighted the coercion faced by individuals in small communities, where everyone knows each other.
The largest opposition group, the National Movement (UNM), has been targeted by Ivanishvili, who has called for its ban along with other perceived enemies of the state.
Georgian Dream has passed controversial laws, including an anti-LGBT law and a “foreign agents” law, despite opposition and protests.
President Salome Zurabishvili, urging Georgians not to fear, advocated for voting for opposition parties committed to an action plan for EU accession.
The country’s media landscape reflects the polarization, with government-backed channels presenting a different narrative from opposition channels.
Georgian Dream continues to assert its commitment to EU integration, even incorporating the EU’s symbol into its logo, despite the EU halting Georgia’s accession process.
However, one of their election posters takes a more aggressive tone, depicting opposition leaders as puppets under the message: “No to war, no to agents.”
This rhetoric aligns with Georgian Dream’s narrative of external influences pushing for conflict, while the opposition is portrayed as serving Western interests.
Former Georgian ambassador to the EU Natalie Sabadnadze suggested that Georgian Dream is following a Hungarian model akin to Viktor Orban, emphasizing peace with the ruling party or conflict with the opposition.
“Georgian Dream seeks a dominant majority to dismantle the system legally, similar to Hungary. However, this should not be allowed,” she expressed.
GIORGI ARJEVANIDZE/AFP – The text has been rewritten.