The crowd cheered, despite warnings from Brussels that foreign agent laws would hinder the chances of this happening.
“Because the Georgian Dream keeps the population confused – often saying that Georgia will become an EU member while at the same time ignoring the conditions presented by Brussels – many voters think we are on the right track,” Akhveldiani said.
uneven playing field
Georgian Dream also oversees a powerful network of supportive media outlets, which have launched their campaign against LGBTQ+ rights and civil society in an effort to stand up for Georgian values. a 2021 un report Found a highly polarized television and print environment, with outlets showing deference to either the government or select opposition parties.
Whereas, according to the elections in Georgia OSCE, surrounded by allegations of intimidation, vote buying and even the arrest of prominent political opponents, such as former President Saakashvili, who is accused of abusing his position. Meanwhile, the OSCE says Georgian Dream’s “abuse of administrative resources” has given it a substantial advantage in casting its vote.
But despite their frustrations, many Georgians say they see no clear alternative to the ruling party. The country’s largest opposition faction, the United National Movement founded by Saakashvili, is struggling to distance itself from criticism of his time in office, which has been marked by allegations of cronyism and a cult of personality.
While pro- and anti-government demonstrations have now become a regular feature outside Georgia’s grand, Soviet-built parliament building, journalists say its hallways have been closed for weeks to prevent them from confronting lawmakers as the political dispute escalates. Has been given.