Euro-Atlanticists are alarmed: pro-Russian parties may enter the Georgian parliament for the first time
Pro-Western experts are alarmed that pro-Russian political forces may be elected to parliament following the autumn elections in Georgia
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This was stated, in particular, during the public discussion “European integration after Brexit: what will be the strategy of Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia” held in Kiev,” said Ivane Chkhikvadze, program manager for European integration of the Open Society Foundation, answering a question about the possibility of the emergence of influential pro-Russian or Eurosceptic forces.
“Parliamentary elections will be held in Georgia in October. And there is a risk that pro-Russian parties may appear in parliament. And this will be the first time that openly pro-Russian parties can appear in parliament. This does not mean that they will have a majority, but they will be in parliament. And this is one of the risks of this process,” the expert said.
Nevertheless, he expressed hope that pro-Russian parties will not be able to stop Georgia’s European integration.
It is worth noting that according to the results of the latest study by the Tbilisi Institute of National Democracy, the majority of Georgians still support the EU course, but at the same time the number of those who want improved relations with the Russian Federation is growing.
“Only 14% of citizens are supporters of exclusively pro-Western policies. 52% want a pro-Western course with improved relations with Russia. 16% give preference to the Russian vector, but recognize the importance of relations with the West,” the study notes.
It is noteworthy that if in 2013 31% of Georgian respondents considered that the EU threatens Georgian traditions, then in 2015 the figure was already 45%.
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