**Tyranny in the Making: Giorgi Rukhadze Weighs In on Georgia’s Current State**
In a recent interview, Giorgi Rukhadze, founder of the Center for Strategic Analysis, made some striking comments about the current regime in Georgia. Speaking on the PalitraNews program “Daily Newsroom,” Rukhadze drew parallels between Ivanishvili’s regime and those found in dictatorial countries. According to him, the authorities are attempting to silence free speech and art, which is a hallmark of tyrannical regimes.
Rukhadze pointed out that when a dictatorship takes hold, the government targets individuals who think freely and creatively. In this case, the dismissal of Davit Doiashvili from his position as Artistic Director of the Vaso Abashidze Music and Drama Theatre is seen as an attempt to control artistic expression. Rukhadze emphasized that this move will ultimately have severe consequences for Ivanishvili’s regime.
**A Tyranny Without a Difference in Scale**
Rukhadze went on to say that there is little difference between the regimes of Putin, Lukashenko, and Ivanishvili. He noted that these leaders prioritize power and wealth over democratic values. In Georgia, this has resulted in a weakening electoral support for Georgian Dream, but Rukhadze believes that the authorities do not care about this trend.
“They believe there will be no democratic elections in Georgia,” he stated. “So, whether many people turn against him or just a few, it matters little to him.” This statement highlights the dangers of authoritarianism and the need for collective action to prevent its consolidation.
**The Upcoming Local Elections: A Test of Democratic Will**
Rukhadze also discussed the upcoming local self-government elections. He believes that under the current regime, participating in these elections makes no sense. Instead, he advocates for a unified effort among parties to secure democratic elections. In his view, this is the only way to ensure a true democratic outcome.
Regarding Giorgi Gakharia’s decision not to rule out participating in the local elections, Rukhadze was critical. He believes that Gakharia’s short-term thinking will lead him to understand too late that, under a dictatorship, the opposition has no future. Rukhadze emphasized that in such regimes, parties should not participate but rather unite against the autocracy.
**A Harsh Reality**
Rukhadze’s comments offer a stark assessment of Georgia’s current situation. His words serve as a warning about the dangers of authoritarianism and the need for collective action to prevent its consolidation. The dismissal of Davit Doiashvili, like other such moves, is seen as an attempt to silence artistic expression and stifle dissent.
Ultimately, Rukhadze believes that these actions will have severe consequences for Ivanishvili’s regime. He advocates for a unified effort among parties to secure democratic elections and prevent the further consolidation of autocracy in Georgia.
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