Tensions are mounting in Georgia as the State Security Service (SSG) alleges that foreign-backed actors are planning to disrupt the upcoming presidential elections and instigate a “color revolution.” The claims, which come amid anti-government protests, have sparked accusations of pro-Russian bias and psychological intimidation by the ruling Georgian Dream party.
The SSG issued a statement on social media, asserting that “criminal actors,” allegedly supported by foreign intelligence agencies, aim to destabilise the nation ahead of the elections scheduled for Saturday. The term “color revolution” refers to pro-Western uprisings in Eastern Europe, including Georgia’s 2003 Rose Revolution, which replaced a Moscow-aligned regime with a Western-leaning government.
The elections, already a source of political tension, will mark the first time the president is chosen by an electoral college, dominated by Georgian Dream. Critics argue that this system undermines democratic processes and is designed to entrench the ruling party’s power.
Protests and accusations
The allegations come amid mass protests triggered by the government’s decision to suspend EU accession talks—a move widely seen as a shift toward a pro-Russian stance. Demonstrators have taken to the streets of Tbilisi, accusing Georgian Dream of betraying the country’s pro-European aspirations.
International human rights organisations have condemned the government’s response, accusing security forces of excessive violence against protesters and the detention of opposition figures. The protests have further highlighted deep divisions in the country, with many Georgians fearful of losing the democratic gains achieved since the Rose Revolution.
Davit Bragvadze, a national security researcher, criticised the SSG’s statement for its informal tone, describing it as uncharacteristic of an official institution. He argued that the language used serves to discredit the protests and create a climate of fear.
“All of this is aimed at portraying protesters as foreign agents and undermining public trust in democratic movements,” Bragvadze said.
Opposition voices
Opposition MP Teona Akubardia, a former deputy secretary of Georgia’s National Security Council, drew parallels between the SSG’s rhetoric and narratives propagated by Russian intelligence. She suggested that the government is aligning itself with Moscow’s agenda by framing domestic dissent as foreign interference.
In August, Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service accused the United States of orchestrating a “color revolution” in Georgia to weaken Georgian Dream ahead of parliamentary elections. Akubardia claimed that the SSG’s recent allegations either mimic Russian propaganda or serve as a direct intimidation tactic aimed at silencing dissent.
She also accused Georgian Dream of prioritising the interests of its founder, billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, over national security.
Divisions at the top
President Salome Zourabichvili, who was elected in 2018 with Georgian Dream’s support, has become one of the government’s most vocal critics. Speaking at a media awards ceremony this week, she accused the security services of waging “psychological terror” against the Georgian people.
Zourabichvili, a French-born former diplomat, has frequently clashed with the ruling party, accusing it of consolidating power and undermining democratic norms. She has vowed to stay in office until a new president is elected through legitimate means, challenging Georgian Dream’s control over the electoral process.
Electoral college controversy
The electoral college system, introduced under Georgian Dream’s rule, has been criticised for concentrating power in the hands of the ruling party. With a parliamentary majority, Georgian Dream is expected to secure the presidency for its candidate, Mikheil Kavelashvili, a former professional footballer.
Opposition parties argue that the system is a departure from direct democratic elections, effectively sidelining voters. Kavelashvili’s anticipated victory is likely to deepen anti-government sentiment, potentially igniting further unrest.
International concern
The unfolding crisis has drawn international attention, with European and American diplomats urging the Georgian government to respect democratic norms and protect the right to protest. Critics warn that Georgia’s democratic backsliding risks alienating its Western allies and jeopardising its EU and NATO aspirations.
As tensions escalate, Georgia stands at a crossroads between its pro-European aspirations and the growing influence of its Russian-aligned ruling party. The outcome of Saturday’s election and the government’s handling of dissent will likely shape the country’s political trajectory for years to come.
