Legitimacy problems fuel Georgian Dream Government’s diplomatic efforts, NGO head

The issue of legitimacy poses a significant challenge, prompting intense diplomatic efforts by Georgian Dream authorities, Nino Kalandadze, the director of the Chavchavadze Center NGO and former Foreign Minister under the United National Movement Government said on Thursday.

Speaking on the matter, Kalandadze described the problem as “multifaceted,” suggesting “this is why [Georgian] authorities are making extensive efforts to engage with various international actors”.

“The problem of legitimacy creates a problem for them. This is a multifaceted problem. That is why they are trying so hard to establish relations with everyone, that is why they are trying to sort out relations with [Donald] Trump,” she said.

She further noted that maintaining power remained the authorities’ primary objective, leaving little room for concessions. “For them, concessions in this area are not on the agenda because they do not have the luxury of it,” she noted.

Kalandadze also pointed to the MEGOBARI Act – an US bipartisan bill that covers sanctions against Georgian officials for alleged human rights abuses and undermining democracy – and international sanctions as key developments linked to the legitimacy crisis.
She suggested that Washington’s response to the situation was already in motion, with potential further measures under consideration.
“This means that the US can once again voice the threat of leverage in order to find a faster way out of the crisis,” she added.