The capital of Georgia, Tbilisi, has transformed into a nightly battleground, a stark contrast to its peaceful image. The conflict pits enraged protesters against the formidable force of law enforcement. Armed with fireworks and a powerful sense of unity, the demonstrators face the tear gas and water cannons deployed by the authorities. Donning gas masks and establishing makeshift kitchens, the protesters stand their ground, resolute in their refusal to yield. This is not a fleeting demonstration, but a sustained protest fueled by deep-seated frustration and a refusal to accept the erosion of democratic principles.
This sustained wave of protests follows a period of simmering discontent and escalating tensions. Earlier this year, widespread demonstrations erupted in response to the controversial ”agent law.” The disputed parliamentary election results of October 26th, where the ruling Georgian Dream party declared victory, further ignited public anger. While often described in Western media as pro-Russian, a more accurate assessment would characterize the Georgian Dream party as employing similar authoritarian tactics as the Kremlin, while simultaneously exploiting public fears of renewed conflict with Russia.
A pervasive sense of powerlessness had gripped the nation in the months leading up to the current unrest. The Supreme Court’s refusal to investigate reports of election fraud, coupled with the Georgian Dream party’s nomination of former footballer Mikheil Kavelashvili as their sole presidential candidate, were met with protests, but lacked the fervent energy that now consumes the streets of Tbilisi. The tipping point arrived on November 28th, when the government announced the suspension of negotiations with the European Union. This decision struck a nerve with the Georgian populace, 80% of whom support EU membership. The government’s accusation that the EU was engaging in extortion, thinly veiled criticism of the EU’s demands for democratic reforms, reignited the flames of protest. The initial demonstrations were met with immediate and brutal repression, a clear sign that the ruling party, emboldened by the election results, felt no obligation to maintain a semblance of decorum or respect for the right to peaceful assembly.
The Georgian Dream party’s heavy-handed approach has been a defining feature of their rule since assuming power in 2012. A steady tightening of control, witnessed firsthand by those residing in the country, has seen a systematic takeover of cultural institutions. In 2021, Culture Minister Tea Tsulukiani initiated a wave of restructuring, commencing with the Ministry itself, followed by the Film Center and National Museum in the subsequent year. This ongoing process of control extends its reach across the cultural landscape. Attempts by artists and cultural figures to raise the alarm have been met with resistance. The case of artist Sandro Sulaberidze, who removed his artwork from a group exhibition in 2023, writing ”Art is alive and free” on the wall, exemplifies this struggle. While the government attempted to prosecute Sulaberidze, they lacked the legal means to do so. This incident, though significant within the art community, failed to ignite broader public action. The regime now intensifies pressure on businesses, state employees, and public figures to take a stance. However, in a fragile economy, the risks are immense for families burdened with debt.
The nightly protests in Tbilisi follow a predictable pattern. Demonstrators gather in front of the Parliament building on Rustaveli Avenue, the city’s main thoroughfare. The inevitable response from law enforcement involves tear gas and water cannons, dispersing the crowds and creating chaos. Those caught in the retreating masses become targets for masked police officers, who inflict beatings and kicks. Over 400 people have been arrested, the majority of whom report experiencing physical abuse while in custody. The anonymity offered by the masks makes accountability elusive, while the government continues to praise the police force, justifying the violence against what they label ”liberal fascists” as proportionate.
The current atmosphere differs significantly from the more festive mood of the spring protests. The stakes are undeniably higher. Morning brings targeted arrests and assaults on remaining protesters, further escalating the tension. The emergence of masked individuals, targeting journalists and activists while police passively observe, adds another layer of menace. This escalating brutality underscores the perception that both sides are engaged in a decisive struggle, a ”now or never” moment. The withdrawal of substantial EU funding due to democratic backsliding, combined with the US’s decision to end its strategic partnership with Georgia after the violent crackdown on post-election protests, adds to the country’s woes. These measures are likely to have a profound impact on the Georgian population, already grappling with a struggling economy and weak state institutions. Russia, which views Georgia as part of its sphere of influence, stands to gain from this instability. The crucial question remains: how should the West engage with Georgia, balancing support for the pro-democracy movement with the risk of further isolating the country and pushing it closer to Moscow’s orbit?
