Georgia’s political landscape is undergoing a significant shift as key institutions and businesses increasingly oppose the ruling regime, Caucasian Journal writes in its article ‘A Wave of Dissent by Georgia’s Elite May Trigger a Domino Effect.’
President Salome Zurabishvili has declared herself the country’s sole legitimate authority, calling Georgia’s parliament illegitimate after the government’s controversial decision to postpone European Union accession talks until 2028. This bold move, alongside mounting resistance from major sectors, could trigger a domino effect that weakens the government’s foundation, Caucasian Journal suggests.
“Key institutions and companies that have expressed dissent include:
“Banking Sector: The Bank of Georgia and TBC Bank, the two largest banks in the country, have publicly expressed their opposition to the government’s decision. The statement from the Bank of Georgia emphasizes “For the Bank of Georgia, whose name bears a special weight, there is no alternative to the country’s road towards Eurointegration. On the way to Europe — don’t stop!”
“Telecommunications: Magti and Silknet, the leading internet providers, have condemned the government’s actions and reaffirmed their commitment to European integration. Silknet condemned the “violence against peaceful protesters,” stating, “We believe that Georgia should maintain its constitutional order and remain in the European space. Refusing this path equates to rejecting freedom, progress, and the future.” The other major telecom company, Magti, issued a similar statement earlier.
“Government Institutions: Employees at the Foreign Ministry and the National Bank of Georgia have staged protests and issued statements criticizing the government’s decision. A number of Georgia’s ambassadors have officially resigned, supported by over one hundred staff members from the Foreign Ministry. More than 180 employees of the National Bank of Georgia stated, “The announcement made on November 28 regarding Georgia’s withdrawal from negotiations with the European Union until 2028 contradicts Article 78 of the Constitution of Georgia and undermines the country’s historical aspiration to become a full member of the European family.”
“Local Government: Tbilisi and Batumi City Hall employees have also voiced their disapproval of the government’s stance. Approximately 150 employees declared that they “clearly and unequivocally distance ourselves from the decision to suspend Georgia’s EU membership process until 2028, which is inconsistent with the goal expressed by the population of Georgia and reflected in Article 78 of the Constitution.” – Caucasian Journal writes.
Additionally, local government employees in Tbilisi and Batumi have distanced themselves from the government’s actions, aligning with the public demand for a continued European path, Caucasian Journal notes.
As protests continue and the demand for new elections intensifies, the future direction of Georgia’s political landscape remains uncertain. With the elite and the public increasingly united in their call for a return to the European integration path, Georgia stands at a crossroads, facing the possibility of a political and constitutional realignment.
Read the full article here.
