Why the Georgian government thinks it can scorn the EU and keep its grip on power – POLITICO

The crowd cheered, despite warnings from Brussels that the foreign agents law would hamper the chances of that happening.

“Because the Georgian dream keeps the population confused – often saying that Georgia will become a member of the EU and at the same time ignoring the conditions presented by Brussels – many voters think we are on the right track” , Akhvlediani said.

Uneven playing field

Georgian Dream also oversees a powerful network of solidarity media that have launched their crusade against LGBTQ+ rights and civil society in an effort to defend Georgian values. A 2021 UN report found a highly polarized television and print environment, with media outlets showing deference to either the government or some opposition parties.

At the same time, elections in Georgia, according to the OSCE, were marred by allegations of intimidation, vote buying and even arrests of prominent political opponents such as former President Saakashvili, accused of abuse of power. At the same time, Georgian Dream’s “misuse of administrative resources” would have given it a substantial advantage in electoral participation, according to the OSCE.

Despite their frustration, many Georgians say they see no clear alternative to the ruling party. The country’s largest opposition bloc, the United National Movement founded by Saakashvili, has struggled to distance itself from criticism of his tenure, marked by allegations of cronyism and a cult of personality.

With pro-government and anti-government protests now becoming regular outside Georgia’s grand Soviet-built parliament building, journalists say they have been barred from its halls for weeks as the political feud escalates to prevent them from confronting lawmakers.