STEM Center presents an interview with Georgian expert, former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Gigi Gigiadze.

- How do you assess the current situation in Georgia amid protests after the parliamentary elections? What factors are most influential in public discontent?

- Georgia is facing a deep political crisis, primarily triggered by allegations of widespread electoral fraud in the parliamentary elections held on November 26, 2024. Public discontent has further intensified following Irakli Kobakhidze’s announcement on November 28, 2024, regarding the suspension of EU negotiations until 2028. These developments have widened the divide between the majority of Georgian society and the ruling party, Georgian Dream, which many critics view as increasingly unrepresentative of the public’s aspirations.

- What are the main reasons for the mass protests in Georgia? Are they only political, or are there economic and social reasons as well?

- The protests in Georgia are primarily driven by concerns over electoral integrity and the government’s decision to halt EU accession negotiations, which many see as a missed historic opportunity for the country’s European integration. While the main catalysts are political, underlying economic and social grievances, such as economic instability and concerns about democratic backsliding, also contribute to the widespread public mobilization.

- For what reason did Georgia decide to withdraw from Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE)? How will this affect the country's international standing?

- Georgia’s decision to withdraw from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe follows a broader shift in its foreign policy trajectory in recent years. Since the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the ruling Georgian Dream party has increasingly distanced itself from Western institutions, a move that has drawn criticism both domestically and internationally. The withdrawal from PACE is seen as reinforcing this trend, further isolating Georgia diplomatically and potentially damaging its international credibility.

- How does Georgia see its relations with PACE after its withdrawal? What consequences might withdrawal from PACE have for democracy and human rights in Georgia?

- The withdrawal from PACE and the broader shift in foreign policy could have serious implications for democracy and human rights in Georgia. Reduced engagement with European institutions may weaken external democratic safeguards, impacting judicial independence, media freedom, and civil society. However, there remains hope that future political changes, potentially through new elections, could restore Georgia’s ties with the Council of Europe and reaffirm its commitment to European integration.

- What could Georgia face from rapprochement with Russia? What is Tbilisi counting on by improving relations with Moscow, given that the Kremlin is unwilling to make concessions on the issue of Georgia's territorial integrity?

- A closer alignment with Russia risks isolating Georgia from its European partners and diminishing its long-term strategic interests. Given Moscow’s continued refusal to recognize Georgia’s territorial integrity, any expectation of significant concessions appears unlikely. Instead, deepening ties with Russia may limit Georgia’s economic and geopolitical options, particularly at a time when regional stability remains fragile.

- Many analysts predict that the hot phase of the war between Russia and Ukraine will end in 2025. Will the Georgian government's policy towards Russia change after the end of hostilities in Ukraine?

- The current Georgian government has largely aligned its stance with Russia, and a shift in policy seems unlikely regardless of how the war in Ukraine unfolds. Unless there is a significant political shift in Georgia, the ruling party is expected to maintain its existing approach, prioritizing relations with Russia over closer integration with the West.

- A significant part of Georgian society supports rapprochement with the European Union, while the Georgian Dream has suspended integration with the EU. Does this indicate some kind of paradox between the government and the wishes of the people?

- There is a growing disconnect between the aspirations of the majority of Georgian citizens, who overwhelmingly support European integration, and the policies pursued by the current government. This division has fuelled political unrest and calls for new parliamentary elections, as many believe that the ruling party no longer represents the interests of the public. Addressing this disparity will likely require a political transition and renewed democratic processes.

- How do you see a way out of political uncertainty in Georgia? How will this outcome affect the appearance of the entire South Caucasus in the coming years?

- A stable, democratic, and economically strong Georgia would positively influence the South Caucasus region, promoting cooperation, security, and development. Resolving the current political uncertainty will definitely require new elections, strengthened democratic institutions, and a reaffirmed commitment to European integration. Without these steps, ongoing instability could have broader regional implications.