Georgian Dream victory boosts democratic stability in Georgia - Instituto Coordenadas publishes an article with such title.

“The Instituto Coordenadas considers that the recent victory of the Georgian Dream [GD] party in the parliamentary elections in Georgia is “a milestone in the democratic consolidation of the country and represents a clear message of stability in a particularly vulnerable geopolitical context”. With 54% of the votes, GD has managed to prevail in an electoral system reformed to align with European standards of transparency and proportional representation, according to this analysis. It adds that the European Union (EU), therefore, faces a fundamental decision: to recognize this result and strengthen its relationship with the “legitimate” Government of Georgia, or “risk sowing instability that can be exploited by external actors, in particular Russia, to destabilize the Caucasus and threaten regional security”.

He says Georgia’s stability is essential not only for the country’s internal peace, but also for European security as a whole. “As a nation with European aspirations, Georgia has become a beacon of democratic stability in the Caucasus, a region of strategic importance between Europe and Asia and therefore a relevant focus of EU security policy. Recognising and respecting Georgia’s democratic sovereignty and supporting its legitimate leadership are key actions to ensure that the country remains a space of cooperation and peace”.

According to the Instituto Coordenadas, located in a geopolitically complex region, Georgia relies on a policy of stability that preserves its independence. “Despite its clear goal of European integration, GD follows a pragmatic strategy of neutrality that avoids turning the country into a field of confrontation between powers. A 2019 survey reflected that 27% of Georgians consider GD a Westernist party, while only 16% perceive it as pro-Russian, which contradicts any intention of aligning with Russia. This perception is confirmed by facts: the GD government has condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine, voted against it at the UN, and does not maintain diplomatic relations with Russia, reaffirming its independence in foreign policy”.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has intensified geopolitical pressures in the Caucasus, directly affecting Georgia. Various external actors have urged the Georgian government to take a tougher stance against Moscow, calling for sanctions similar to those of other Western nations, demanding the opening of an air bridge to send mercenaries to Ukraine or even calling for the opening of a second war front against Russia. However, the GD government has opted for a more cautious strategy, prioritizing economic stability and the well-being of its citizens. “By avoiding a direct confrontation that could have devastating consequences for the national economy and a high cost in human lives, Georgia has preferred a policy of active neutrality that, although criticized by some sectors, is aligned with stability and peace in the region,” the analysis maintains.

In addition, it notes that GD has taken decisive steps towards European integration: it signed the Association Agreement with the EU in 2014, in 2018 it constitutionalized the goal of EU and NATO membership, and in 2023 it obtained the status of an EU candidate country. “This orientation towards Europe, respectful of its sovereignty, reinforces Georgia’s role as a bridge between Eurasia and Europe from a position of peace and stability”, - reads the article.