Diplomat slams opposition’s strategy, warns of democratic decline in Georgia

Diplomat Vano Machavariani on Tuesday criticized Georgia’s opposition for failing to present a cohesive strategy amid their claims of rigged October elections and subsequent protests, warning of “serious consequences” for the country’s democratic trajectory.

Speaking on recent political developments, Machavariani pointed to the opposition’s lack of unity and direction, describing their actions as disorganized and ineffective.

“A person should look critically not only at themselves but at whom they are dealing with. The failure here lies in not correctly assessing the opposition they were dealing with,” he said, adding the “shortfall has also drawn public skepticism, with many questioning the opposition’s capacity to present a unified front”.

He noted that even opposition leaders had appeared to have distanced themselves from the protests called by them.

“The opposition has urged the public to rally, which their leaders themselves no longer attend. They are devoid of any clear idea of what can be done,” he said.

Machavariani expressed concern over the broader implications of this political disarray, suggesting it has played into external influences.

“What happened in Georgia is the biggest gift to Putin. Whether Ivanishvili [the honorary chair and founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party] did this for [Russian President Vladimir]Putin or Putin orchestrated it for Ivanishvili, the fact remains that we are witnessing a departure from democratic governance,” he warned.

Comparing Georgia’s trajectory to countries like Hungary and Belarus, Machavariani highlighted the risks of political regression. “The socio-political balance is broken. This is a path we have seen in other countries, and it could lead to serious problems,” he cautioned, urging the opposition to reassess their approach to political challenges.