**Georgia’s President Warns of Autocratic Backsliding in a “1937 Moment”**
Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili delivered a stark warning to the Czech Senate on April 9, urging Europe to take action against the erosion of democracy in her country. In a powerful address, she accused the Georgian Dream government of driving the country towards authoritarianism and likened it to the Stalinist purges of the 1930s.
**A “Creeping, Silent Coup”**
Zurabishvili painted a picture of democratic backsliding in Georgia, where peaceful protesters are met with violence and arrests, opposition parties face threats, and citizens are fined for dissent. She condemned the adoption of a “foreign agents” law, which she called a “carbon copy” of Russia’s similar law that crushed civil society and media.
**Europe’s Muted Response**
The Georgian President criticized Europe’s muted response to her country’s political crisis, saying it has been too quiet despite Georgia being granted EU candidate status in 2023. She warned that the implications go beyond Georgia’s borders, as democracy can be undone easily if left unchecked.
**A Challenge to Liberal Democracy and Europe’s Credibility**
Zurabishvili emphasized that the challenge is threefold: a challenge to liberal democracy in Georgia and in Europe; a geopolitical challenge to the EU; and the challenge to Europe’s global credibility vis-a-vis Russia. She warned that if Georgia slips into authoritarianism, it could undermine Europe’s strategic position in the region and damage its foreign policy agenda.
**A Call for European Action**
The President called on Europe to act now with a real counter-strategy, not just words alone. She recommended urgent action, including political clarity, electoral protection, targeted financial sanctions, and vocal support for Georgian civil society. “Fighting is for us to do,” she said, “but our partners should provide first electoral protection… Let the Georgian people know that they are not alone.”
**A Final Appeal: Stand With Us**
Addressing the Czech Senate specifically, Zurabishvili appealed to their own history of oppression and liberation, asking them to stand with Georgia in its struggle for democracy. She thanked the Czech people for showing support through a resolution, calling it an example to other European nations.
As Georgia’s President continues to battle against autocratic backsliding, her appeal to Europe echoes a broader concern: will the continent take action to protect democracy and prevent the spread of authoritarianism? The stakes are high, as the “hybrid strategy of silent conquest” used in Georgia could be replicated elsewhere, with far-reaching consequences for European security and values.
