We present to you an update on the situation in Georgia as of December 28:
Georgia stands at a crossroads as citizens rally across the country to oppose what they perceive as a betrayal of the nation’s democratic aspirations. On a rainy December day, thousands of Georgians took to the streets to form a symbolic “Chain of Unity,” demonstrating their steadfast commitment to European integration and democratic values. President Salome Zurabishvili joined the protesters in Tbilisi, holding hands with citizens on Heroes Square, signaling solidarity with those challenging the government’s recent U-turn on its EU path.
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This public display of unity comes amid escalating tensions between the ruling Georgian Dream party and an increasingly disillusioned populace. U.S. Representative Joe Wilson recently criticized Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze for fostering closer ties with authoritarian regimes, including Iran and China, while simultaneously suppressing domestic opposition. Wilson praised sanctions against Georgian Dream’s founder Bidzina Ivanishvili, calling for immediate reforms and free elections to restore public trust.
The situation has also drawn international concern, with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda warning that Georgia risks emulating Belarus’ authoritarian trajectory. In a phone call with President Zurabishvili, Nausėda emphasized the need for democratic elections, expressing Lithuania’s unwavering support for Georgia’s European ambitions. Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock echoed these concerns, advocating for a formal review of Georgia’s EU accession process due to what she described as the ruling party’s “increasingly authoritarian policies.”
The domestic political landscape remains volatile. Former Tbilisi City Hall Media Communications Manager Taia Makharashvili alleged political persecution after being dismissed for her pro-European stance. Meanwhile, creative industry workers, IT professionals, and civil servants have launched consecutive protests, demanding new elections and the release of political prisoners. Among them, prominent opposition figures Zurab Japaridze and Saba Skhvitaridze face significant legal challenges, including fines, firearm bans, and potential prison sentences, raising questions about the fairness of Georgia’s judicial system.
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Civil society organizations have also condemned increasing violence against women, including allegations of police misconduct and torture. Transparency International Georgia has named officers implicated in these abuses, adding another layer of urgency to calls for systemic reform. These reports highlight a growing divide between the government and its citizens, further eroding confidence in state institutions.
As the protests grow, the Georgian Dream leadership faces mounting pressure from both domestic and international actors to reverse course. Whether the government can address the grievances of its citizens while maintaining its hold on power remains uncertain. For many Georgians, however, the Chain of Unity symbolizes a collective refusal to abandon their democratic ideals, even in the face of repression.
