Deep Crisis in Georgia After Disputed Election

Georgia is at the epicenter of a deep and multi-layered crisis that followed the local self-government elections on October 4. The situation within the country is characterized by a mass boycott from the opposition, protests involving tens of thousands of people, harsh clashes with police, and arrests. At the same time, this internal political tension has escalated into an international scandal, with a sharp exchange of accusations between the ruling "Georgian Dream" party and the West, which in turn has received clear support from Russia, creating an explosive geopolitical environment.

The electoral process initially took place in an atmosphere of extreme mistrust. Most opposition parties refused to participate in the elections, declaring that their results were predetermined to be falsified. Instead of participating in the vote, they rallied their supporters on the streets of Tbilisi. On the evening of October 4, a protest of many thousands took place in the center of the capital, during which a number of opposition politicians made calls for a "peaceful revolution and a peaceful change of power," resulting in their arrest during the rally itself.

The situation escalated sharply when some protesters tried to break into the grounds of the presidential palace, breaking a protective fence and building barricades. In response, the authorities deployed special forces, who used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the demonstrators. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, more than 20 people were injured in the clashes, the majority of whom were police officers. More than a dozen activists were arrested, including a citizen born in 1991, who is accused of injuring a police officer performing his official duties.

he authorities justify their actions by claiming they prevented a coup d'état attempt. To reinforce this thesis, the Security Service announced that it had discovered a large cache of weapons, ammunition, and explosives near Tbilisi, intended for carrying out mass riots and sabotage on election day.

Following these events, the Ministry of Internal Affairs issued a stern warning: "In the coming days, any gathering on the territory of Georgia will be considered a continuation of yesterday's attempt to overthrow the government." Despite this threat, another protest took place in front of the parliament building on Sunday, after the elections.

Against the backdrop of this chaotic situation, the ruling candidate Kakha Kaladze won the Tbilisi mayoral election with 71.6% of the vote, with a turnout of about 41%.

The European Union responded with harsh criticism to the events in Georgia, stating that the elections were held "amidst widespread repression against dissent."

The response of the "Georgian Dream" government was tough and unprecedented. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze openly accused foreign diplomats, particularly EU Ambassador Paweł Herczyński, of supporting the coup attempt.

This anti-Western rhetoric was immediately supported by Russia. Russian officials not only defended Kobakhidze's statement but also described the events as a "color revolution" attempt organized by the West.

Furthermore, Kirill Dmitriev, President Putin's representative for economic cooperation with foreign countries, drew parallels between the demonstrations in Tbilisi and the protests against Donald Trump in the US state of Oregon. "This is the same script that the left and globalists have repeatedly used to incite violent protests, to undermine governments and the rule of law," Dmitriev wrote.