Today in Tbilisi, an air of suffocating oppression hung heavily over the city.
It could have been the sight of countless law enforcement officers gathered in groups, poised for any potential unrest. It might also have been the ominous dark clouds unleashing rain upon the streets.
However, it is more likely the prevailing sentiment stems from the fact that this city, and the nation as a whole, displays a profound discomfort with its identity. Indeed, Georgia stands as a nation engulfed in chaos.
Protests continue in Georgia, where many believe their country is under the control of impostors.
In the aftermath of the recent general elections a month ago, numerous citizens are still fuming, convinced that their ballots have been rendered worthless due to corrupt practices and that their nation is currently governed by charlatans.
Although Georgian Dream has been declared the victor, this outcome has been widely criticized as being fraudulent.
The European Union, which Georgia has long aspired to join, has deliberately refrained from acknowledging the election’s results. Thus, in Tbilisi, two contrasting realities are unfolding.
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19 Nov: Protesters clash with police in Georgia
In one sphere, the towering Soviet-era governmental structure hosts Georgian Dream’s members of parliament, alongside their billionaire oligarch founder Bidzina Ivanishvili, as they convene the newly formed parliament for the inaugural session, affirming their positions as the leaders of Georgia while proclaiming that all is well.
Conversely, a mere short walk away in the square outside, opposition politicians are vehemently labeling the elections as fraudulent, the government as unlawful, and the newly formed parliament as unconstitutional.
Around them gather thousands of demonstrators claiming their nation has been usurped, several of whom suspect that the entire affair represents a Russian coup led by Ivanishvili.
As a firecracker is thrown over a temporary metal barrier and lands inside the parliament edifice, I encounter Luka, who has sacrificed his position in Paris to return home and become an activist.
He shares with me that he has already faced arrest for protesting once, enduring beatings and imprisonment. Luka remains unapologetic and filled with righteous anger.
“This government operates as a dictatorship,” he asserts. “They exhibit no respect for human life nor for human dignity. Their only concern lies in wealth and maintaining control.”
“The Russian grip is more entrenched than we ever envisioned. This should serve as a warning to Europe that Russia is indeed a complex adversary to confront.”
Luka expresses pride in the peaceful nature of the protests, yet acknowledges a growing sense of exasperation: “We aim to prevent any form of bloodshed, but as we confront the stark realities ahead, it increasingly appears that at some juncture, we may have to resort to physical confrontation.”
In front of the building, a stage is set up, encircled by a multitude of powerful loudspeakers.
Giorgi Vashadze, head of the opposition Unity movement and among the nation’s most prominent politicians, is addressing his audience with encouragement, asserting that they will ultimately prevail.
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From the stage, Vashadze is assertive and passionate. However, when I meet him a few moments afterward, he becomes more subdued and reflective. Yet, when the topic shifts to the election and the condition of democracy in his nation, his enthusiasm sparks.
“This is a constitutional coup,” he states emphatically. “This completely contravenes the Georgian constitution and the will of the Georgian populace.
“This operation aims at undermining Georgian national interest and is orchestrated by Georgian Dream.
“While they refer to themselves as the government of Georgia, from this point forward, we will refrain from calling them ‘the government.’
“We are battling against Russian interests here in Georgia. Therefore, it is imperative that we gain support from our Western allies.”
He pauses and locks eyes with me. It seems he views our dialogue as an opportunity to convey his message to certain Western leaders.
I inquire about the actions he hopes to see implemented.
“Sanctions, specifically targeting the individuals who are acting against the constitution and flouting the law, along with various forms of genuine actions that can be undertaken.”
This is a plea for intervention from someone, anywhere. This sentiment permeates throughout our discussion.
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These individuals, crammed together against the relentless downpour, striking the parliament’s walls, whistling, and jeering, feel as though they have been cheated.
They also experience feelings of neglect and invisibility, craving assistance while apprehensive about what lies ahead. Amid this unyielding rain, it becomes exceedingly challenging to maintain a sense of hope.
