In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, former Prime Minister of Georgia Nika Gilauri expressed concerns that the recent elections in Georgia were rigged, resulting in an illegitimate parliament that has dealt a blow to the country’s longstanding aspirations to join the European Union. Gilauri highlighted Russian interference in the election process and noted similarities to recent events in other neighboring countries such as Romania, Moldova, and Ukraine. He emphasized that Russian President Vladimir Putin has been actively involved in destabilizing democracies in the region, including Georgia.
Since the pro-Russia Georgian Dream party claimed victory in the elections, thousands of Georgians have been protesting against the government’s decision to halt efforts to join the European Union. The protests have been met with a harsh response from authorities, with hundreds of people reportedly detained and subjected to severe beatings. The situation in Georgia has raised concerns about Russian-linked actors seeking to foment instability and insurrection in the country, as warned by US officials.
President Salome Zourabichvili, who has been outspoken about the fraudulent nature of the elections and the illegitimacy of the parliament, has emerged as a key figure in the protest movement. With her presidential term set to end soon, Zourabichvili has called for negotiations with Georgian Dream leaders and has demanded new elections to be held. However, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has suggested that Zourabichvili could face imprisonment if she does not step down from the presidency, further escalating tensions in the country.
The Georgian Dream party, supported by Russia, claimed victory in the elections with around 54% of the vote, while the united opposition garnered only 38%. However, many opposition figures have rejected the results, alleging fraud and ballot stuffing. International observers, including the OSCE, have raised concerns about irregularities in the election process, calling for a thorough investigation into the alleged violations. The EU has also expressed support for Georgia’s aspirations to join the bloc, but progress has been stalled due to internal challenges and controversial legislation.
Georgia’s efforts to join the EU have faced obstacles, including a controversial “foreign agent” law that led to sanctions and travel bans imposed by the US on Georgian officials who supported the legislation. The law required organizations receiving significant funding from abroad to register as foreign agents, leading to crackdowns on dissent and civil society. The EU put Georgia’s candidacy on hold in response to the law, further complicating the country’s path towards European integration.
As tensions escalate in Georgia following the disputed elections, the country faces a critical juncture in its democratic development and aspirations to join the European Union. With widespread protests, allegations of election fraud, and international scrutiny, the future of Georgia’s political landscape remains uncertain. The role of Russian influence, internal divisions, and challenges to democratic institutions have all contributed to the current crisis in the country, highlighting the complex dynamics at play in Georgian politics.
