The “government of Bidzina Ivanishvili”, the founder and honorary chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party, is aware that its public support has deteriorated significantly since October 26 general elections, Aleksi Petriashvili, a researcher at the Rondeli Foundation and former Euro-Atlantic integration minister, said on Monday.
Speaking about the political situation in Georgia, Petriashvili claimed the ruling authorities were experiencing a growing crisis of confidence.
“Ivanishvili’s regime is well aware that their ratings have fallen even more catastrophically since October 26 due to the steps they have taken and the violence they have used,” he said.
He further noted the government hoped that public protests would gradually fade away, allowing them to regain control. However, he believed their reputation had already been damaged.
“They have a hostage-taking mentality and they are hoping that this protest [against halted EU integration] will subside, disappear, and then everything will fall into place and everyone will have their normal attitude again. However, a crack has already appeared in their reputation and tone,” he added.
