The leader of the Georgian Dream party appeals for a mass rally before the decisive vote, marking a critical moment for the future of Georgia as the country approaches a closely contested election. With just days before the election, Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder and influential figure of the governing Georgian Dream party, urged thousands of supporters to rally in support of the party, framing the upcoming vote as a choice between peace and war.
Ivanishvili addressed the crowd in Liberty Square, the heart of the capital, Tbilisi, calling for the preservation of peace and stability. “We choose peace, not war,” he declared, in reference to his party’s narrative that the opposition seeks to involve Georgia in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Georgian Dream has held power for 12 years, but faces a tough battle against four opposition parties, who accuse the government of undermining the country’s aspirations to join the European Union (EU).
The Election: A Choice Between Europe and Russia?
As the Georgian Dream party leader appeals for a mass rally before the decisive vote, the stakes are high for Georgia’s future. The opposition argues that the election is a choice between aligning with Europe or remaining under Russian influence. The EU has halted Georgia’s application for membership, citing concerns over backsliding on democratic principles. Although Georgian Dream insists the country is on track to join the EU by 2030, critics accuse the party of sabotaging the process.
Recent opinion polls suggest a close race, with Georgian Dream possibly winning, but the combined opposition potentially securing more votes. The opposition, led by the National Movement (UNM) and other parties, filled the same Liberty Square last week, waving Georgian and EU flags in a demonstration of support for Georgia’s European integration.
Ivanishvili’s Message and Party’s Focus
During the rally, Georgian Dream supporters, carrying party flags, marched towards the stage, chanting slogans in support of Ivanishvili. The billionaire founder of the party and former prime minister took the stage behind protective glass, urging voters to support the party for the sake of a “dignified European future based on equality.”
Ivanishvili emphasized that Georgian Dream is committed to peace and stability, warning that the opposition aims to drag the country into war. Georgian Dream leaders, including Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze, echoed this message, accusing foreign actors of meddling in the election. Kaladze stated, “We refuse to be anyone’s vassal, following the wishes of others.”
Concerns About Fairness and Intimidation
While the Georgian Dream party leader appeals for a mass rally before the decisive vote, concerns have been raised about the fairness of the election process. Reports have surfaced suggesting that public servants, teachers, and other workers have been intimidated into voting for the ruling party. Vano Chkhikvadze, EU Integration Program Manager at the Civil Society Foundation, expressed concerns that this intimidation is particularly strong in rural areas where “everyone knows everyone,” making it easier to track votes.
The opposition claims that such tactics are part of a broader strategy by Georgian Dream to maintain control by any means necessary. The party has already pushed through controversial laws, including a recent anti-LGBT measure and a “foreign agents” law that targets media and civil society groups receiving foreign funding.
Political Polarization
As the Georgian Dream party leader appeals for a mass rally before the decisive vote, the political landscape in Georgia remains highly polarized. Ivanishvili’s rhetoric has drawn comparisons to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, with critics suggesting that the governing party is adopting a similar model of consolidating power while maintaining a narrative of peace and stability. The government’s stance has been met with skepticism, particularly in urban areas, where the opposition is stronger.
In contrast, support for Georgian Dream remains more robust in rural regions, where memories of the 2008 war with Russia and the occupation of 20% of Georgian territory are still fresh. For many voters, the choice is seen as one between stability under Georgian Dream or the risks of renewed conflict under the opposition.
Looking Ahead
As Georgia heads to the polls, the rally organized by the Georgian Dream party underscores the high stakes of the election. With EU integration in jeopardy and political tensions at an all-time high, the outcome of the vote will likely have significant implications for Georgia’s future direction. The Georgian Dream party leader appeals for a mass rally before the decisive vote, framing the election as a choice between peace and the potential for conflict, while the opposition argues it is a chance to secure a European future for the country.
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