TBILISI, July 31 – Georgia may face increasing political isolation and domestic instability unless its current leadership changes course, according to analyst Vakhtang Dzabiradze. He warns that the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party’s recent rhetoric and actions reflect a clear shift away from European integration.
In a wide-ranging interview, constitutional lawyer and political analyst Vakhtang Dzabiradze, told Interpressnews that despite the government’s public statements in support of European integration, its consistent disregard for European Parliament resolutions shows a growing disconnect. “Georgian Dream has long crossed the red lines,” he said, emphasizing that Brussels’ criticisms no longer influence decision-making in Tbilisi. He suggested that unless there is a significant domestic political shift, the EU might move from symbolic statements to concrete actions, such as reinstating visa requirements or further isolating Georgia diplomatically.
Dzabiradze believes the government’s foreign policy is increasingly oriented toward closer ties with Russia and China, aiming to replace Western economic and political support. This shift, he warned, may not become evident to voters until the consequences are felt in their daily lives.
Domestically, Dzabiradze criticized what he sees as a growing crackdown on dissent, including arrests of opposition figures and moves to limit the influence of civil society organizations. He said these developments point toward a “Soviet-style” election environment.
But the analyst warned that the government would benefit if opposition parties boycott the upcoming local elections. The opposition in currently split in two, with some planning to participate and others refusing. He urged domestic opposition groups to participate in the elections, not merely to win seats, but in order to mobilize the electorate and keep up the pressure on the government.
Addressing recent statements by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who claimed any land where Russian soldiers step is “Russian land,” Dzabiradze cautioned that Georgia, along with other former Soviet republics, could face renewed threats. He argued that Russia’s expansionist goals may extend beyond Ukraine, especially if global attention shifts toward the Middle East.
