On 4 October, Georgia will experience a day that could mark a historic turning point for the country’s democratic future. Citizens will take to the streets to reaffirm their right to a truly European political system based on the rule of law and fundamental freedoms.

In recent years, Georgia has experienced increasing political tension. Many perceive the government as close to Moscow and distant from European integration. The oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili is considered the real strongman behind power. For a significant part of society, 4 October represents a chance to call for a break with authoritarianism, preventing the country from following models similar to Russia and Belarus.

The anti-European turn and the protests

Georgia embarked on a path towards the European Union and was granted candidate status in 2023. However, on 28 November 2024, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced the suspension of accession negotiations and the denial of any financial support from the EU until 2028.

This decision sparked mass protests across the country and ignited internal political tensions, with accusations of a departure from the Euro-Atlantic integration path. Since then, demonstrations have been going on for more than 300 daysalong Rustaveli Avenue, the main street of Tbilisi on which the Parliament is located.

The increasing repression following this anti-European turn led to numerous arrests and convictions of protesters, journalists and opposition party leaders. This reinforced the image of a government that is increasingly authoritarian and distant from European values.

The mobilisation of the diaspora

Ahead of this decisive day for the fate of the country, the Georgian diaspora is mobilising in Europe and North America. In addition to demonstrations, fundraising campaigns have been launched to support the protesters. One of these is hosted on the WhyDonate platform(link here).

The funds are mainly used for the purchase of gas masks with built-in helmets, costing around 90 euros. The inter-continental organisation of Georgian migrants ‘Generations For Georgia‘ also provided a direct banking channel: Revolut Bank UAB, IBAN LT133250040520465749, in the name of Aleksandre Petriashvili.

The official video and the international appeal

An official video entitled ‘Stay with Georgia!’ has been released, in which the main message invites Western partners to illuminate symbolic buildings in the colours of the Georgian flag on 4 October. The aim is to strengthen the perception of a united international democratic front. In parallel, activists call for the presence of European media to ensure visibility and reduce the risk of repression.

The Repressive Laws of Georgian Dream

Since December 2024, the ruling Georgian Dream party has introduced a series of legislative changes marking a sharp authoritarian turn. The new rules restrict freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, political pluralism, and media independence. Measures include preventive detention for protesters, disproportionate criminal sanctions, heavy fines, and limits on spontaneous demonstrations. These initiatives drastically shrink democratic space, pushing the country closer to repressive models seen in Russia and Belarus.

One of the most controversial measures is the new version of the so-called “foreign agents law”, presented as equivalent to the American FARA but in reality aimed at dismantling civil society. At the same time, amendments allow opposition parties to be dissolved under vague definitions and prevent independent media from accessing international funding. Concerns raised by the Venice Commission, OSCE, and Amnesty International highlight how these laws are designed to suppress dissent, criminalize critical journalism, and consolidate centralized political control.

Attack on Civil Society and Independent Institutions

Another alarming step concerns the reform that abolished the mandatory participation of NGOs in public decision-making processes. The legislative package, amending 14 different laws, excludes civil society organizations from crucial bodies such as the Prosecutorial Council, the High Council of Justice, and the selection commissions for the heads of independent agencies. Officially, NGOs were accused of serving foreign interests, but in practice these measures eliminate a fundamental safeguard of transparency and pluralism.

At the same time, parliament approved the abolition of the Special Investigation Service (SIS), the agency responsible for investigating crimes committed by law enforcement and public officials, including torture, electoral abuses, and human rights violations. Its functions will be transferred back to the Prosecutor’s Office, re-establishing a conflict of interest that the European Union explicitly asked Georgia to resolve as a condition for integration. The elimination of the SIS represents a serious setback for judicial independence and distances Georgia even further from European standards of rule of law and fundamental rights protection.

A test for regional security

The protest is not only about internal stability. It is also a test for the security of the Caucasus, at a time when Russia continues to project influence. The Georgians’ ability to defend the European orientation will influence the geopolitical balance and the EU’s role in the region.

Georgia and Europe at an historic crossroads

4 October will be a test of Georgia’s democratic resilience and Europe’s credibility. The popular mobilisation shows that democracy and self-determination of the Caucasian peoples remain under threat. International support is a decisive factor.