Georgia's bumpy road to democracy: On track for a European future?

Briefing 27-05-2021

Georgia is often considered a frontrunner among Eastern Partnership countries. Despite Russia's continued de facto occupation of one-fifth of the country's territory, until recently Georgia performed relatively well in terms of political stability, pluralism and economic growth. The country is staunchly pro-Western, with aspirations to join both the EU and NATO. Like Ukraine and Moldova, Georgia signed an association agreement with the EU in 2014. The agreement envisages a free trade area, as well as economic and political reforms that will result in far-reaching integration between Georgia and the EU. Despite this overall positive picture and Georgia's close partnership with the EU, there are many concerns about the country's progress towards democracy and the rule of law. Problems are highlighted by a political crisis, which escalated in November 2020 after opposition politicians claimed that the ruling Georgian Dream party had rigged parliamentary elections, and decided to boycott the parliament. The crisis reflects the longer-standing issue of excessive concentration of power, weakening many of the checks and balances that are necessary for a healthy democracy. Despite reform efforts, institutions that are supposed to be independent of the executive have become subservient to the often opaque interests of the ruling party. EU mediation is helping to resolve the stand-off between government and opposition, but the political landscape is still highly polarised.