Public dissatisfaction growing but opposition lacks convincing alternative, Armaz Akhvlediani

Political analyst and founder of the Tbilisi School of Political Studies Armaz Akhvlediani has said public discontent in Georgia was deeper than it appears and could lead to political change if channelled effectively.

Commenting on political developments in the region, Akhvlediani said Armenia's recent parliamentary election demonstrated the importance of public trust and institutional legitimacy, arguing that Georgian governments had failed to build strong, trusted institutions capable of guaranteeing genuinely competitive elections.

He said Armenian voters had backed Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan while denying him a constitutional majority, which he interpreted as a warning that political success can quickly turn into defeat if public expectations were not met.

Akhvlediani added the result reflected a desire among Armenian voters to maintain political accountability rather than grant overwhelming power to any one political force.

Drawing parallels with Georgia, he argued that responsibility for political change ultimately rested with society and suggested that public frustration was increasing despite not always being visible.

"There is even greater ferment within society than can be seen with the naked eye. If this is used with the right focus and direction, victory will follow," Akhvlediani said.

At the same time, he criticised Georgia's opposition, saying he did not see a viable political perspective in its current form.

Akhvlediani further noted the existing opposition alliance was unable to mobilise broader public support because many voters view it as representing the past rather than offering a new political alternative.

He argued that Georgia needed a political "middle ground" capable of attracting wider segments of society, adding that the current opposition is not focused on building such an alternative.