**Corruption in Georgia: A Systemic Problem or Internal Power Struggle?**
A recent wave of arrests targeting former high-ranking officials under the “Georgian Dream” government has sparked debate about the country’s approach to fighting corruption. Lasha Tughushi, head of the Liberal Academy organization, argues that this is not a genuine effort to tackle elite corruption, but rather an internal power redistribution process within the ruling party.
According to Tughushi, if Georgia were truly committed to combating corruption, we would see cases involving relatives of government officials embezzling funds allocated for specific regions. Instead, the current focus on former officials is merely a distraction from the real issue: corrupt practices by powerful figures in positions of authority today.
“The people who are being targeted do not represent the main centers of power,” Tughushi explained on PalitraNews’s program Daily Newsroom. “Fighting elite corruption means confronting current, influential, and powerful figures. We’re far from it.”
Tughushi believes that the establishment of authoritarianism in a country often leads to internal struggles between different centers of power within the ruling elite. He pointed out that the current developments revolve around key figures such as the Prime Minister, former Prime Minister, and senior officials from the ministries of economy and defense.
**A Missed Opportunity for Unity**
Tughushi criticized the opposition’s failure to unite in critical situations, instead choosing to fight each other. “We need serious reflection and conclusions about why this is happening to us,” he emphasized. He also noted that having sanctioned judges in a country shows there are deep problems not only with democracy but overall development.
The current situation has led Tughushi to speculate about the possibility of new parliamentary elections being called. While he acknowledged that this could be a chance for the opposition to unite and speak up, he warned that if left solely to the parties, it would lead to more internal fighting and ultimately defeat.
“Pro-Western forces must unite – even if there will be some competition between them,” Tughushi urged. “If we want the country to win, we need a formula for victory, not another cycle of division.”
**The Way Forward**
In conclusion, Tughushi emphasized that Georgia’s current state is a result of repeated mistakes by its opposition forces and the failure to address systemic corruption issues. He called on all stakeholders to reflect on the past and draw conclusions to avoid repeating the same mistakes.
As the country navigates this complex situation, one thing is clear: the need for genuine unity and a concerted effort to tackle elite corruption has never been more pressing.
