Archive · 18 Nov 2025
Georgia's Democratic Reversal: A Slide Towards Autocracy
Georgia, once seen as a rising democracy, is now sliding towards autocracy.
The ruling party is cracking down on opposition, with many leaders jailed or facing charges.
The EU says Georgia is no longer on track to join the bloc.
The country's economy is growing, but it's becoming more dependent on Russia and China.
People are scared and worried about their country's future.
Georgia's democratic institutions are 'hobbled' and courts are under state control, according to the EU
Opposition leaders are jailed, in exile, or facing charges, with ruling party aiming to ban main opposition groups
EU report says Georgia is a candidate for EU membership 'in name only', not on track to join the bloc
Fear of Russia and desire for stability cited by ruling party for crackdown on opposition
Economic growth remains strong, but FDI falls and energy imports from Russia increase
- Who
- The Georgian Dream party, led by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, and opposition leaders
- What
- Crackdown on political opposition and democratic institutions
- When
- Over the past few months, with a significant acceleration in recent weeks
- Where
- Georgia, a small country in the South Caucasus
- Why
- Fear of Russia, desire for stability, and ruling party's unwillingness to accept power loss through democratic means
Ruling Georgian Dream Party
Opposition Parties
Opposition's Role
Ruling Georgian Dream Party
Trying to seize power and foment war with Russia
Opposition Parties
Exercising democratic rights and opposing authoritarian shift
Authoritarian Shift
Ruling Georgian Dream Party
Protecting the country from instability
Opposition Parties
Building a fully-fledged authoritarian regime
- Population
- 3.7 million
- GDP Growth (2022)
- 7%
- GDP Growth (2021)
- 9.4%
- Oil Imports from Russia (2022 vs 2012)
- 45% vs 8%
- EU Membership Status
- Candidate (in name only)