Opinion: 'Georgian Dream moves closer to Russia, and more shameful episodes may follow'
Georgian historian Beka Kobakhidze comments on a series of new laws introduced by Georgian Dream, which he argues were adopted despite bringing no benefit to the ruling elite — and even damaging its standing among its own supporters.
Kobakhidze believes this is happening because Georgia’s leaders feel compelled to follow recommendations from the Kremlin in order to remain “compatible with Russia.”
“It’s similar to how the European Union presented Georgia, as an EU candidate, with a list of conditions that had to be met for the integration process to continue. Only now this ‘integration’ is moving in the direction of Russia,” Kobakhidze says.
“For Moscow to regard Georgia’s ruling regime as a ‘reliable partner’, society will have to endure many more shameful episodes,” the analyst warns.
The most recent legislative initiatives put forward by Georgian Dream include abolishing the administration of the “South Ossetia” administrative unit — created on the territory of the former South Ossetian Autonomous Region — and shutting down the anti-corruption bureau.
Another proposal has sparked heated debate and public anger: a plan to ban Georgian citizens from voting while abroad. Under the amendment, they would have to return to the country in order to cast their ballots.