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Georgia Facing Transition Summary

Core Content

This document, titled "Georgia Facing Transition," is a summary of a discussion event held on 10 February 2011, featuring Irakli Alasania, Chairman of the Free Democrats Party. The summary highlights the political, economic, and social challenges facing Georgia, particularly in the context of the Arab Spring and the ongoing issues related to governance, media, and international relations.

Main Points

Political Transition and Electoral Reform

• Georgia is at a crossroads, moving away from zero-sum politics and towards a more collaborative approach to governance.
• The Free Democrats Party and other opposition groups have proposed specific electoral reforms to ensure fair representation.
• The current electoral system is flawed, as regions with different populations receive equal representation, which undermines democratic principles.
• A fundamental change to the electoral system is necessary, with a focus on proportional representation based on population.
• There is a need for parliamentary and civilian oversight of security forces, which have been accused of harassment and intimidation of the opposition.
• A task force to investigate cases of political harassment is suggested, including members from the police, public, and international community.

Economic and Social Challenges

• The economic situation in Georgia is deteriorating, with high inflation and unemployment.
• The lack of anti-monopoly regulations and a competitive business environment has led to a decline in foreign direct investment.
• The government has not addressed the issue of corruption at higher levels, even though it has reduced low-level corruption.
• The treasury is nearly empty, and there is a lack of institutional decision-making in economic matters.
• The speaker believes that the social situation will worsen, giving the opposition more room to criticize the government.

Media and Information

• Georgia has three main TV channels, two of which are believed to be pro-Saakashvili.
• The state broadcaster has not been fully independent and needs improvement to gain public trust.
• There is a need for transparency in media ownership and to provide a more balanced media environment.
• The first televised political debate was a positive step, but it was limited to Saakashvili's supporters.

International Relations and Support

• The international community, particularly the West, has shown interest in Georgia's democratic development despite its relative strategic insignificance.
• However, Saakashvili has lost credibility, and the West is unlikely to support his continued leadership.
• The speaker believes that Georgia needs a peaceful transition of power, not just a change of government.
• The speaker criticizes the current government's approach to foreign policy, including its close ties with Russia and its overtures to Belarus and Iran.

Frozen Conflicts and Regional Stability

• The 2008 war with Russia has complicated Georgia's relations with South Ossetia and Abkhazia.
• The speaker argues that Georgia should focus on developing the economies of these regions before addressing the issue of occupation.
• The EU and other Western countries should be allowed to establish a presence in Abkhazia and South Ossetia to support civil society.
• The speaker believes that stable relations with Russia are in Georgia's national interest, and that building trust with Abkhazia and South Ossetia requires a more diplomatic approach towards Russia.

Key Information

• Electoral Reform: The opposition has proposed reforms to ensure fair representation and to address the lack of parliamentary oversight.
• Security Forces: They have been accused of harassment and intimidation, with no accountability mechanisms in place.
• Economic Issues: High inflation, unemployment, and lack of investment are major concerns, exacerbated by the government's failure to address corruption at higher levels.
• Media Environment: The state broadcaster is under the president's control and needs independence and transparency.
• International Support: While the West has supported Georgia's democratic development, it is unlikely to continue supporting Saakashvili's leadership.
• Frozen Conflicts: Georgia needs to focus on economic development in South Ossetia and Abkhazia before addressing the issue of occupation.
• Political Future: The speaker believes that Georgia needs a peaceful transition and that the opposition is moderate and constructive.