On October 26, Georgia will face pivotal parliamentary elections that could determine whether the country continues on its path towards European integration or opts for an authoritarian direction.
In light of recent events, the situation in Tbilisi raises concerns among experts and the public that the country may find itself at a dead end, where democracy becomes merely a memory.
As noted by Deutsche Welle, the Georgian authorities, led by the "Georgian Dream" party, have faced criticism for enacting a law on "foreign agents," which restricts the activities of non-governmental organizations. According to the opposition, this law has frozen negotiations with the EU and opened the door to a level of authoritarianism similar to that seen in Russia.
Many Georgians perceive it as a "Russian law," as it resembles similar initiatives introduced in the neighboring country. At the same time, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze is making increasingly radical statements, hinting at the possibility of banning key opposition parties, which raises concerns about political repression.
Opposition forces, represented by several pro-European parties, are uniting to counter the government’s course, which they believe is leading away from the EU and NATO.
However, polls indicate that pro-European parties have a chance of securing a majority of votes in the elections, putting the ruling party's position at risk.
Public opinion in Georgia shows pessimism: 63% of respondents believe the country is headed in the wrong direction. Yet, despite this, most of the population still hopes for change. Many experts believe that if the "Georgian Dream" secures a majority, it could lead to the legitimization of dictatorship and political repression.
In civil society, discussions about a "second Minsk" are becoming more frequent, describing fears that the government may initiate political repression post-elections.
Ultimately, Georgia stands on the brink of significant changes. The elections on October 26 could be a critical turning point in determining the country's future direction.
Source: dw.com .
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