Georgia before the election: pro-EU or pro-Russian? The decision is approaching!

Georgia before the election: pro-EU or pro-Russian? The decision is approaching!

Georgia is at a crossroads: Saturday's elections could have a decisive impact on the country's geopolitical future.

On Saturday, Georgia will vote in crucial parliamentary elections that could decide whether the country moves toward Moscow or Brussels. Political tensions have increased in recent years, particularly after massive protests in April against a controversial "foreign agent" law seen as an attempt to restrict freedom of expression and emulate the Russian model.

The ruling Georgian Dream party, founded by oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, is seeking a fourth term in office. Critics fear a party victory could lead Georgia in an authoritarian direction as pro-Western opposition parties try to form a coalition to secure a majority and get back on the path to EU membership. Voters face a choice between a pro-Russian and a pro-European future, underscoring the importance of these elections.

The voters decide about the future

Voters are asked what kind of state they want to build. “For the government this is a choice between peace and war, for the opposition it is a choice between the EU and Russia,” explains Kornely Kakachia, professor and director of the Georgian Institute of Politics. Experts agree that geopolitical tensions will play a crucial role. As pro-European protests grow, the Georgian Dream Party has in the past emphasized its closeness to Russia, particularly after refusing to support Western sanctions against Moscow.

The polls suggest it will be a close race. While the Georgian Dream Party is expected to receive the most votes, it could still be difficult to form a majority. The opposition has united to push the pro-European agenda, but without a charismatic leader they may struggle to mobilize voters. Saturday's elections are not only a vote on Georgia's political direction, but also a test of democracy in the country.