The political situation in Georgia remains highly unstable and could radically change within a single day. This was stated by Irakli Kakabadze, president of the Gandhi Foundation, commenting on the socio-political processes in the country and their impact on the region.
“It’s very hard to say that something has faded or concluded. Everything can change in one day. The situation in Georgia is such that changes can happen at any moment,” Kakabadze noted. According to him, over the past year, the authorities have made a series of serious mistakes, including numerous arrests and repressive actions, which have caused deep discontent among a significant portion of the population.
Social Tension and Political Deadlock
“Many people are deeply offended by what is happening in the country. We have serious social problems, political crises, and human rights violations. The situation is tough, and society perceives it very painfully. Of course, the country needs changes—radical changes,” he emphasized.
Kakabadze expressed hope that changes would occur peacefully. However, he sharply criticized the current leadership, headed by Shalva Papuashvili and other government representatives: “They are inadequate not only to the current situation in Georgia but also to global processes in the world and the region.”
Regional Context and External Challenges
The expert noted that events in the region directly affect Georgia’s internal dynamics. “Our relations with Armenia are extremely important. A major peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia has begun in Washington, which is a positive signal for Georgia as well. The Caucasus is becoming a center for democratic reforms, and we hope this process will also affect our country,” he stated.
At the same time, Kakabadze highlighted the sharp deterioration in Georgia’s relations with Europe and the United States: “There hasn’t been such a crisis since 1991. These problems will have to be addressed sooner or later—and the sooner, the better, because time is running out.”
New Forces on the Political Stage
According to Kakabadze, traditional political parties are unable to offer effective solutions as they largely adhere to right-wing ideologies. However, new forces are emerging: “If ‘Georgian Dream’ relies on oligarchic power and represents an extremely right-wing, reactionary philosophy, and the ‘National Movement’ also remains right-wing, now young social-democratic forces are gaining influence. Among them are Anna Dolidze, Mamuka Khazaradze, and other new leaders.”
He emphasized that Georgian society pins its hopes on them for a change in political course: “The last 30 years have been a real nightmare for Georgia. But what Ivanishvili has done, no one else has. The people are tired and waiting for a new force that will lead the country to real change.”