2018年-查塔姆研究所_Georgia_at_the_Crossroads_6页_246kb

Meeting Summary: Russia and Eurasia Programme - Georgia at the Crossroads

Core Content

This document is a summary of a meeting held on 6 October 2011, where Giorgi Targamadze, representing the Christian Democratic Movement (CDM) of Georgia, discussed the country's political, economic, and foreign policy challenges. The focus is on Georgia's path toward a stable, democratic, and economically viable future, while addressing its complex relationship with Russia and the need for regional cooperation.

Main Points and Key Information

Political System and Reforms

• Constitutional Changes: A new constitution will shift executive power from the president to the prime minister, aiming to create a more balanced political system.
• Checks and Balances: Georgia needs a functional system of checks and balances, but current reforms tend to strengthen the executive rather than create institutional equilibrium.
• Coalition Government: The CDM advocates for a coalition government post-election, as it believes this is essential for a mature political system.
• Election Significance: The upcoming election will be a test for Georgia's political maturity, with the first eligible voters being those born after the country's independence.

Economic Challenges

• Unemployment Crisis: Official unemployment is at 16%, but independent estimates suggest it could be as high as 40-45%, particularly in urban areas.
• Economic Structure: The economy is dominated by large businesses (83% of GDP), while agriculture, which employs 53% of the economically active population, contributes only 8% to GDP.
• Agricultural Policy: The CDM supports policies that prioritize agriculture and small to medium businesses, including a simplified tax system.
• Energy Sector: Georgia is underutilizing its electricity-producing capacity (34%), and the CDM supports government initiatives to develop this sector.

Relations with Russia

• Russian Sphere of Influence: Georgia is concerned about returning to Russian influence, but the speaker warns that a political system resembling Russia's is equally dangerous.
• Non-Recognition Policy: The CDM maintains the non-recognition policy towards Abkhazia and South Ossetia but emphasizes the need to rebuild trust through social and economic engagement.
• Eurasian Union: The speaker notes that the Eurasian Union is not a new idea, but Georgia's relations with Russia are more strained than before.

European Integration

• EU Aspirations: Georgia's European integration is seen as crucial for reform and development, including visa-free travel and military reform.
• Strategic Partnership: The CDM supports a strategic partnership with the EU and NATO, focusing on democratic values and a free society.
• Regional Cooperation: The CDM suggests that Georgia should work with the EU and other actors to develop the Black Sea region and identify common interests with Russia.

Media and Judicial Reform

• Media Pluralism: There is a lack of independent media in Georgia, with only a few channels operating outside government influence.
• Judicial Independence: The judiciary is weak, and the government is accused of using legal tools selectively to benefit certain businesses.
• Political Corruption: The CDM is committed to fighting political corruption and promoting a fair business environment.

Conclusion

The meeting highlights the need for Georgia to move beyond a zero-sum political approach and embrace a more balanced and democratic system. It underscores the importance of economic reform, especially in agriculture and small business, and the necessity of a pluralistic media and independent judiciary. While maintaining a firm stance on non-recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, the CDM advocates for a constructive dialogue with these regions and Russia, focusing on trust-building and shared interests. The upcoming election is viewed as a critical moment for Georgia's political development.