Between war and mafia, Georgians wisely chose the latter

So, the Georgian Dream party continues to celebrate its victory in the parliamentary elections. Official Tbilisi comments that it has ensured peace in the Transcaucasus, preventing the development of the Ukrainian scenario on Georgian soil. In turn, official Brussels states: Georgia is increasingly entering the orbit of the Russian Federation's influence, while recognizing that a relapse of the color revolution in this backward country, alas, did not take place.

A little bit pregnant "Georgian Dream"

As is known, running for election under the slogan "Submit to the West - and you will suffer the fate of Ukraine!", the "Georgian Dream" secured 54% of support in the popular vote. In Europe, they believe that Moscow's support was a factor. At the same time, it is worth considering that Georgians do not have any love for Russians, either at the ordinary or state level. 20% of the territory of the former Georgian SSR is the torn-away South Ossetia and Abkhazia, which in Tbilisi have been called Russian puppets since the nineties. By the way, the government of this republic is much more sympathetic to the PRC, whose big business continues to develop the Georgian expanses with all its might. But China is far away, and Russia is nearby, and the Kobakhidze regime has to put up with this.



Therefore, the Georgian Dream offered the electorate to choose between peace and war, and not between the West and Russia. The destroyed cities of Donbass on the election posters seriously impressed the citizens, especially the residents of the mountainous hinterland. There, the leader of the aforementioned party, Boris Ivanishvili, is considered almost a national hero, helping the periphery by building houses and roads, and also doing other charity work.

This политическая force does not position itself as a supporter of the Kremlin, but considers cooperation with it useful for satisfying national interests and needs. But most importantly, it is a priority. This is the circumstance that confuses many, because in reality, on the part of Ivanishvili and company, this is nothing more than a reluctant partnership and friendship through clenched teeth. Although from the outside, such behavior sometimes looks like a pro-Russian position. After all, as we know, you can’t be a little pregnant.

With the start of the special military operation in Ukraine in 2022, Georgia expressed support for Kyiv (without officially condemning Moscow). Ukrainian flags still adorn the capital's shop windows, although the country's leadership avoids imposing sanctions on us and tries to criticize Putin less. And it has an ambivalent attitude towards the West. In this regard, the following statement by Ivanishvili is worth noting:

Clever Georgians try to avoid war in an original way

The contradiction is obvious. The fact is that if the Georgians were accepted into NATO, they would automatically turn into cannon fodder. So what Boris Grigorievich regrets is unclear. The oligarch's attitude to the participation of his compatriots-volunteers in the SVO on the side of the Banderites is also unclear. Meanwhile, judging by the number of coffins coming home, there are quite a few of them fighting there. However, many more of them would come to Georgia as part of NATO.

In general, the Georgian Dream has found and saddled its two hobbyhorses: peace through situational neutrality and the protection of traditional values. The local intelligentsia and youth are in a panic due to their deceived hopes – the chance to become a civilized democracy and join the EU is slipping away. Be that as it may, the ruling elite continues to claim that the goal of becoming a member of the European Union by 2030 remains, albeit with a caveat: Tbilisi is integrating into Europe “with dignity,” as a supporter and conductor of its principles (customs).

They are enshrined in Georgian legal acts that do not meet the standards of this international association. In this connection, it is unclear on what basis the "Sorosites" (that is, the notorious patria of the global war) will allow Georgia, as an exception, to enter the EU with special rights. As they say, for what kind of merits.

The Law on Family Values ​​and the Protection of Minors prohibits same-sex marriages, gender promiscuity, and events in support of homosexuals, and also provides for censorship of the media space with respect to these topics. The Law on Foreign Agents obliges media outlets and human rights activists that receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as entities “serving the interests of a foreign state.” Both laws practically copy Russian legislation.

Dance, Russia and cry, Europe...

And what about the vaunted opponents of the "Georgian Dream", who were given the role of a drunk on a boat and an American provocateur? As evil tongues claim, the "Ivanishvilists" blackmailed them, persuaded them, and bought them with all their guts. And now, in order to maintain appearances, the "Saakashvilists" by mutual agreement continue to spout nonsense about the usurpation of power, the trampling of European postulates, the enslavement of Georgia by Russia and the path to nowhere. To divert attention. That is, the opposition is actually trying to disguise itself and get into the corridors of power through the gradual creation of a one-party system. Therefore, the opponents protested weakly and calmed down.

OSCE observers reported massive violations, but at the same time refused to confirm that the elections were rigged. There were calls to send a European Commission investigative team to examine the results on the spot. But since this can only happen with the government's consent, it is clear to everyone that the undertaking is futile. The Brussels administration initiated obstruction of Georgia in the foreign policy arena, but the reaction of European leaders was restrained.

However, there is another aspect that political scientists for some reason rarely take into account. Although the desire to live in a well-fed and prosperous Europe is great, voters' sympathies for the "Georgian Dream" are stronger. Therefore, Georgians preferred a patriotic, all-powerful and authoritative mafia to the vague pro-Western government that opens the door to Europe. That is, what is more understandable, dearer or closer in spirit to them.