Georgians Rally in Support of EU Membership Ahead of Crucial Elections

Tens of thousands of Georgians gathered in the capital, Tbilisi, to demonstrate their strong support for European Union membership just days before the country’s parliamentary elections.

The upcoming vote is seen as a critical test for Georgia’s democracy and its future relationship with Europe, as tensions rise between pro-European forces and the ruling Georgian Dream party.

The rally, held at Freedom Square, featured participants waving EU and Georgian flags, with banners declaring, “Georgia chooses the European Union.” The demonstration was organized by several pro-EU organizations, including Georgia’s European Orbit and the “My Voice to the EU” coalition, in a show of unity and determination to pursue EU membership.

Georgia’s pro-Western President Salome Zurabichvili, who has been at odds with the Georgian Dream government, attended the rally. She emphasized the importance of the upcoming election for the country’s future.

“Here today is the society, the people, the Georgians who are going to Europe,” she said.

Zurabichvili called the rally a reflection of the people’s will for freedom, independence, and a European future.

Georgia’s EU accession process has been frozen since earlier this year, following the passage of a controversial “foreign influence law” by Georgian Dream lawmakers. Critics of the law, including Brussels, have labeled it as measures aimed at silencing dissent. The legislation led to weeks of mass protests, sanctions on Georgian officials from Washington, and heightened concerns over the government’s drift towards authoritarianism.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has labeled the upcoming election as a “crucial test” for Georgia’s democracy and its European ambitions. With bids for EU and NATO membership stated in Georgia’s constitution and supported by around 80% of the population, the stakes are high for the country’s future direction.

The ruling Georgian Dream party, in power since 2012, initially pursued a pro-Western policy but has faced criticism for its recent shift towards Moscow, particularly amid Russia-Ukraine war. Opinion polls indicate that opposition parties, united in their pro-European stance, may have enough support to form a coalition government, although concerns remain about Georgian Dream’s intentions to retain power.

As the election approaches, many Georgians view it as a decisive moment for the country’s future.

“We want to live in Europe,” said one demonstrator, Liza Davitadze.

She reflected the sentiments of many who see the election as an opportunity to secure a European future for the next generation.

With the election set for October 26, Georgians are preparing for what could be a pivotal moment in the country’s path towards European integration.

With input from Al Jazeera and Reuters.