The ruling Georgian Dream party on Monday marked its 13th anniversary, celebrating its record in power and accusing Western institutions of exerting pressure on the country.
In a statement by the party’s Political Council, Georgian Dream credited its founder, Bidzina Ivanishvili, with rescuing Georgia from what it described as a “bloody dictatorship” in 2012. The statement praised Ivanishvili’s leadership during what it called a “decisive battle” against the former United National Movement government, asserting that the party had brought the country back onto a path of democratic governance and development.
“After the victory over the regime, under the Georgian Dream, Georgia firmly established the principles of democracy and the rule of law,” the statement read.
The party emphasized that, for the first time since regaining independence, Georgia has not engaged in war under its leadership – a point made amid ongoing regional tensions and accusations that
Tbilisi has distanced itself from the West over the war in Ukraine.
“The Georgian Dream has maintained uninterrupted peace in the most difficult geopolitical situation,” the statement said, adding that the government resisted pressure to “plunge Georgia into the flames of war.”
It also hailed economic gains, citing 9.7% average annual growth over the past four years and projecting that per capita GDP will exceed $10,000 this year. According to the statement, the poverty rate has dropped threefold since 2012, and the country is on track to join the ranks of high-income nations by 2030.
On social policy, the party noted the introduction of universal healthcare and expanded assistance to vulnerable groups, claiming a break from politically motivated aid distribution.
The Georgian Dream also defended its record on European integration, pointing to “milestones” such as the Association Agreement and visa-free travel with the EU. However, the statement included criticism of European institutions, accusing them of “blackmail” and claiming that “undemocratic forces” are being promoted to return to power.
“We hope that by [2030], the current bureaucracy in Brussels will also be replaced by a political elite that is dignified, independent and focused on the future of the EU and Europe,” the party said.
The ruling party further reiterated its commitment to what it called Georgia’s “independence and sovereignty,” asserting that it would not be swayed by external pressure and would continue to defend “the homeland, the church and national values.”
