The European Union finds itself walking a tightrope in its response to the brutal crackdown on pro-European demonstrators in Georgia. michael Thumann, Die Zeit‘s astute Foreign Affairs Correspondent, aptly summarizes the dilemma: “We’re adhering to the rules, while Moscow blatantly disregards them.”
Thousands of primarily young Georgians have flooded the streets of Tbilisi for over two weeks, protesting the re-elected “georgian Dream” governmentS intention to abandon the country’s EU accession path. Thumann draws a chilling parallel to the events in Ukraine in 2014, sensing a familiar script unfolding.
Giorgi Badridze, the former Georgian Ambassador to London, posits that Europe has misjudged the strategic chess game with Russia for influence in Georgia.He points to the EU’s hesitant stance on demanding a re-run of the contentious October parliamentary elections, stating, “Russia appears to grasp the strategic significance of Georgia to the EU more deeply than many European nations themselves.”
This edition of Berlin Briefing, hosted by DW’s Chief Political editor Michaela Küfner, delves into the heart of this crisis, exploring crucial questions:
- Are the heroic Georgians effectively acting as a bulwark against Russian encroachment on Europe?
- Will NATO extend its protective umbrella to Georgia, despite its non-member status?
- Can the tide of violence against these peaceful protesters be stemmed?
- How do a tycoon and a zebra figure into this intricate political saga?
- Can celebrated soccer stars truly transition into the realm of effective politicians?
How might the ongoing protests in Georgia impact its relationship wiht the European Union and NATO?
Interview: Navigating Georgia’s Tenuous Political Landscape
In this edition of the Time.news interview series, we sit down with Giorgi Badridze, former Georgian Ambassador to London, to discuss the ongoing protests in Georgia against the “Georgian Dream” government and the implications for European stability. We explore the EU’s response to the crisis, the strategic chess game with Russia, and the future of Georgia’s EU accession path.
Q1: Giorgi,can you provide some context about the protests currently erupting in Tbilisi? What sparked this public outcry?
Giorgi Badridze: Certainly. The unrest began after the re-election of the “Georgian Dream” government, which many see as signaling a move away from the country’s commitment to European Union accession. Primarily composed of young people, these demonstrators represent a significant portion of the population that is passionate about aligning Georgia with Europe and rejecting Russian influence. The situation reflects deep-seated frustrations over political direction and governance.
Q2: Michael Thumann from Die Zeit has drawn a parallel between the current situation in Georgia and the 2014 events in Ukraine. Do you share this perspective?
Giorgi Badridze: Absolutely.The geopolitical dynamics are eerily similar. Just as in Ukraine, the citizens of Georgia are taking tremendous risks to assert their desire for a democratic future aligned with Europe, while facing a government that appears to backtrack under Moscow’s influence. This presents a critical moment not only for Georgia but for the EU’s resolve in standing up against authoritarian encroachment.
Q3: The European Union seems to be walking a tightrope in its response.How do you assess the EU’s strategy regarding Georgia?
Giorgi Badridze: I believe Europe has indeed misjudged the strategic significance of Georgia in its chess game with Russia. The EU’s hesitance to demand a re-run of the controversial parliamentary elections reflects a broader problem. While they advocate for adherence to rules, Russia blatantly disregards them. Europe must adopt a more proactive approach, recognizing that a strong Georgia can serve as a bulwark against further Russian encroachment.
Q4: Looking forward,do you think NATO will extend its protective umbrella to Georgia,given that it is indeed not a member?
Giorgi Badridze: That remains a complicated question. NATO has emphasized its support for Georgia’s sovereignty but has not provided firm commitments in military terms. A robust response from NATO could deter aggression from Russia, but the current non-member status means that we can’t take these protections for granted. Continued European and American engagement is vital for maintaining Georgia’s independence and stability.
Q5: There’s been mention of a tycoon and a zebra in the context of this political saga. Could you elaborate on this?
Giorgi Badridze: Sure! this is an intriguing metaphor frequently enough employed to illustrate how personal interests and bizarre incidents in Georgian political life can have serious implications on the overall landscape. The “tycoon” refers to business magnates whose influence impacts political decisions, while the ”zebra” alludes to the unexpected turns in politics that can complicate the path forward. essentially, it emphasizes unpredictability in Georgian politics, one that requires careful navigation by citizens and diplomats alike.
Q6: Lastly, do you think celebrated soccer stars can transition into effective politicians in Georgia?
Giorgi Badridze: That’s a compelling question. While we’ve seen public figures, including athletes, leverage their fame to enter politics, effectiveness depends on their understanding of political processes and governance challenges. Popularity can garner initial support, but the complexities of political leadership require a nuanced approach, real expertise, and commitment to public service to drive change.
In sum, Georgia stands at a crossroads. The resilience of its people in the face of adversity is commendable, but how Europe responds and navigates this increasingly volatile situation will determine the future not just for Georgia, but for the stability of the region as a whole.