Georgians lack democracy

In a seemingly prosperous Georgia, the rally is replaced by another rally. Political attacks by politicians on the legitimately elected president Zurabishvili and the actual head of the ruling party, Ivanishvili, are in hand-to-hand fighting. At the same time, the economic level in Georgia is high, when compared with its neighbors, tourism is developing rapidly, macroeconomic indicators are successful, and a democratic state is successfully integrating with Europe. What, figuratively speaking, are Georgians missing? Who is to blame for the mass discontent of the population? Is it really not so bad, and passions are heated only on the pages of Tbilisi media? Turan turned to Georgian experts with these questions.

Blogger Tengiz Ablotia

- Firstly, you exaggerated about economy. The economy is rather weak, like all countries in the Caucasus. Like Armenia, and like Azerbaijan minus your oil and gas. Moreover, in recent years, due to the inefficiency of the government in Georgia, there has been a complete stagnation in all directions. The country froze at the level of 2012-2013. As for democracy, just when it is then you understand that it is lacking.

All problems of Georgia are because of a monopoly on power. The electoral system of Georgia is so designed that the winner gains 80% of the power, then begins to become impudent, loses control and adequacy, and begins to spoil what has been done before him.

Change of power in the current electoral system is impossible without mass heroism. Accordingly, a movement has now begun to change the electoral system and create one that will allow you to change power calmly, without street unrest and revolution. If it is possible to carry out such reforms, then the control of society over power will be higher, this will not allow the authorities to lose their adequacy, etc.

- And how much of the great part of society is involved in political activity? Does one square in Tbilisi decide for everyone? That is, how common is discontent?

- There is widespread discontent, but society has not yet ripened for major performances. In general, there are many supporters of the new electoral system, since everyone has been tired of this running around in a circle for 30 years. Someone will be chosen, then he will concentrate all power in his hands, and then, we must collectively kill everyone in order to remove him from power.

Political scientist, journalist Gela Vasadze

- What is happening today in Georgia is called a political crisis. The authorities' refusal to switch to a proportional election system led to the fact that almost the entire opposition and civil society came together in their demand for power to fulfill the promise of reform of the electoral system. The opposition has proposed a compromise option of switching to the German election model, while simultaneously exerting pressure on the authorities through the street and the diplomatic corps. All this against the background of aggravation of socio-economic problems and the depreciation of the national currency. Therefore, the Georgians lack democracy and solve only social problems.

- If the elections are held according to the electoral law required by the opposition, then will a qualitatively new situation appear? Will a different force l come to power, not Ivanishvili? Indeed, for this, everything is done to remove him.

- Of course, opinion polls show that not a single political party will get a majority in parliament, which means that there will be a coalition government. The  big question is whether the Ivanishvili party “Georgian Dream” will be in the ruling coalition or in the opposition.

- Everyone is interested in the possibility of the return of former President M. Saakashvili. He is still popular in Azerbaijan. Is it possible?

- In case of defeat of the “Georgian Dream”, ex-president M. Saakashvili will most likely return to Georgia. The question of his return to power is not exactly  on the agenda yet.