**Georgia’s Future in the EU: A Balancing Act**
In an interview with Caucasus Watch, Giorgi Gakharia, leader of the Gakharia for Georgia party, shared his thoughts on the European Union’s (EU) relationship with Georgia. The EU has been a crucial partner for Georgia, providing economic and political support to the country. However, under the current Georgian Dream (GD) government, tensions have risen between the two entities.
**A Threat to Power**
Gakharia believes that the GD perceives European integration as a threat to its power. This is because the EU demands transparency, power-sharing, and inclusivity – qualities that challenge the increasingly autocratic elite in Georgia. The GD’s alignment with Hungary’s Fidesz party, led by Viktor Orbán, is a deliberate strategy to adopt anti-democratic methods and narratives while maintaining a facade of European commitment.
**A Calculated Move**
The GD’s dual strategy is calculated to mislead both domestic and international audiences. On one hand, the party claims European credentials while undermining democratic values and Euro-Atlantic integration. This approach has allowed the GD to maintain access to Western markets despite criticizing democratic backsliding in Georgia. As a result, the country becomes more appealing to unregulated capital.
**A Question of Legitimacy**
Gakharia argues that if the EU maintains Georgia’s candidate status but questions the government’s legitimacy and conditions engagement on democratic reforms, freeing political prisoners, and holding new elections, it can pressure the regime while preserving future progress. This approach would not only maintain Georgia’s European aspirations but also challenge the GD’s authority.
**A Call to Action**
The Russian-Ukrainian war has further complicated the situation in Georgia. Gakharia believes that the GD has no real interest in a just end to the Ukrainian war. Instead, the party’s populist messaging and conspiracy-laden narratives mirror Russian disinformation, blaming the West for Russia’s invasion and accusing allies of pressuring Georgia to open a second front.
**A Message to the EU**
Gakharia urges the EU to take a firm stance on democratic reforms in Georgia. He argues that loyalty to Moscow undermines Georgian sovereignty, alienates allies, and jeopardizes the country’s democratic future. By maintaining Georgia’s candidate status and conditioning engagement on democratic reforms, the EU can pressure the regime while preserving future progress.
**The Way Forward**
In conclusion, Gakharia emphasizes the importance of strengthening cooperation with Western allies, particularly in defense and security. He believes that this approach would not only ensure Georgia’s safety but also preserve its European aspirations. The GD’s transactional approach to the EU presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the country’s future.
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