By Lizi Basilaia and Luka Avazashvili
This article is the first in a series examining Georgia’s political and social turmoil under the governance of the Georgian Dream Party. It traces the party’s journey from its initial promise to its current authoritarian trajectory, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of recent protests and electoral controversies in subsequent articles.
The story of the Georgian Dream’s ascent to power and its subsequent transformation into an increasingly authoritarian regime is one of both promise and betrayal. Initially hailed as a force of democratic renewal, the party’s actions over the past decade have systematically dismantled the progress Georgia once made toward European integration and democratic consolidation.
The Start
When Georgian Dream first came to power in 2012, it rode a wave of optimism. The party’s founder, billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, positioned the Georgian Dream as a pro-European and reformist alternative to the United National Movement (UNM), which had faced criticism for authoritarian tendencies and human rights violations despite significant modernization efforts. Georgian Dream’s victory marked the first time the government changed through elections independent Georgia’s history, offering hope for a more balanced and democratic political system.
In its early years, the Georgian Dream capitalized on public frustration with the United National Movement Party (the previous majority party) and presented itself as a unifying force. GD was for the judicial reforms, professed a commitment to Euro-Atlantic integration, and promised to tackle corruption.
Signs of Authoritarian Drift
However, cracks began to appear as the Georgian Dream consolidated its hold on power. Ivanishvili’s decision to step down as Prime Minister in 2013 did little to diminish his influence, as he retained significant control over the party and key political decisions. This behind-the-scenes leadership raised concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability in Georgia’s governance.
One of the turning points came with the Georgian Dream’s increasingly tight grip on the judiciary. The party leveraged its control to pack courts with loyalists, undermining judicial independence. Reports from Transparency International and other watchdogs highlighted how politically motivated rulings became commonplace, eroding trust in the rule of law.
The government’s tolerance for dissent also decreased. Opposition parties, civil society organizations (CSOs), and independent media faced systematic harassment. Instances of violence against journalists and activists became frequent, with perpetrators rarely held accountable. Georgian Dream’s governance has been marked by an aggressive approach to political opposition. Key opposition leaders have faced criminal charges widely perceived as politically motivated.
Freedom of the press has significantly deteriorated under Georgian Dream. High-profile incidents, such as the violent attack on the Tbilisi Pride office which resulted in a journalist dying and court being lenient on the offenders, exemplify the growing risks faced by media workers in Georgia. Investigative journalists and opposition-affiliated outlets have reported harassment, physical attacks, and financial pressures, effectively curbing critical reporting.
Civil liberties have also been under assault. Faced with growing resistance, Georgian Dream turned to increasingly repressive measures. Legislative amendments expanded the powers of law enforcement and imposed severe penalties on protest activities. The passage of a high number of repressive laws and brutal crackdowns on peaceful protests illustrate a government increasingly intolerant of dissent. Human rights organizations documented widespread instances of inhumane treatment, including the torture of detained activists.
One such example of repressive legislation was the controversial “foreign agent” law introduced in early 2023 sparking widespread public outrage. Critics argued that the law mirrors Russian legislation designed to suppress civil society. Massive protests and international pressure eventually forced the government to withdraw the law, but not for long, as Georgian Dream re-initiated and passed said law one year later resulting in massive protests. These developments alienated many of the Georgian Dream’s initial supporters and drew criticism from international observers.
Another key example is the controversial Law on Family Values and Protection of Minors, which mimics legislation in authoritarian regimes under the guise of safeguarding “traditional values.” This law explicitly targets LGBTQ rights, suppressing expression and promoting systemic discrimination. By fostering hatred and undermining fundamental freedoms, the law strikes at the heart of Georgia’s democratic progress and jeopardizes its aspirations for European integration. Furthermore, it isolates Georgia on the international stage, tarnishing its reputation as a nation committed to human rights
The Role of Ivanishvili
Throughout this period, Ivanishvili remained the central figure behind Georgian Dream’s trajectory. Despite holding no formal office, his influence permeated every aspect of the party’s decision-making. Critics argue that his outsized role exemplifies the concentration of power in Georgia and the lack of institutional checks and balances.
EU Relations: From Integration to Stagnation
The government’s actions have not only alienated its citizens but also jeopardized Georgia’s international standing. Georgia’s relationship with the EU has suffered significantly under Georgian Dream even though Georgian Dream’s early years included positive steps toward European integration. However, it can be argued that the previous government played a significant role in setting up a foundation for Georgia’s growing relationship with the West.
In 2014, Georgia signed an Association Agreement with the European Union, which included a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA). This agreement marked a milestone, offering significant economic benefits and aligning Georgia’s policies with EU standards. In 2017, Georgian citizens gained visa-free travel to the Schengen Zone, further solidifying public support for EU integration.
However, progress stagnated as Georgian Dream’s governance grew more authoritarian. Throughout their time in power, the EU had begun expressing concerns over Georgia’s democratic backsliding, including issues of judicial independence and political repression. The government’s failure to implement key reforms outlined in the EU’s Association Agenda led to delays in further integration.
In 2022, the EU deferred Georgia’s candidacy status, citing insufficient progress on democratic reforms. This decision starkly contrasted with the recognition granted to Ukraine and Moldova. Key EU criticisms have included concerns over judicial reforms, media freedoms, and the lack of political inclusivity.
In 2022, the European Union provided Georgia with 12 key priorities as a roadmap for democratic reforms to secure candidate status. These included judicial independence, media freedom, anti-corruption measures, protections for minorities, and depolarization of the political landscape. However, the Georgian government has made minimal progress, often ignoring these priorities. Despite the government’s inaction, Georgia was granted candidate status in 2023, a decision widely viewed as recognition of the unwavering pro-European aspirations of the Georgian people. Massive public protests, persistent civic activism, and widespread support for EU integration underscored that the populace, not the government, is the driving force behind the country’s European future.
The government’s response to these criticisms has often been defensive, accusing the EU of bias and meddling in domestic affairs. Such rhetoric has only deepened the divide between Georgia and its European partners, hindering the country’s long-held aspirations of EU membership.
The European Union’s 2024 resolution condemning the elections and calling for sanctions against Georgian Dream leaders highlighted the growing rift between Georgia’s government and its pro-European aspirations. Public discontent has continued to grow, with protests becoming a daily occurrence and civil society refusing to back down
Escalating Protests and the 2024 Elections
Growing distance with the EU, repressive laws and rulings, attacks on civil society, etc., marked the beginning of a year dominated by protests and political turmoil peaking in the October 2024 parliamentary elections which epitomized Georgian Dream’s descent into authoritarianism.
The October 2024 parliamentary elections solidified Georgian Dream’s authoritarianism. Allegations of widespread voter manipulation, including breaches of ballot secrecy and vote-buying, marred the election process.
In Summary
From its promising beginnings as a reformist force, Georgian Dream has become synonymous with authoritarianism and repression. The government’s actions have not only undermined Georgia’s democratic institutions but also risk derailing its long-standing goal of European integration. As protests persist and international pressure mounts, the Georgian people’s struggle for democracy remains a testament to their resilience and commitment to a brighter future.