Georgia’s ruling Georgian Dream party has taken a bold step to outlaw three major opposition groups amid rising political tensions. On October 28, 2025, Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili announced the party filed a complaint with the Constitutional Court to ban the United National Movement, the Coalition for Change, and Strong Georgia, claiming these groups threaten the country’s constitutional order.
Background of the Political Clash
The move comes after the controversial 2024 parliamentary elections held on October 26, where Georgian Dream secured a majority with around 54 percent of the vote, according to official results. Opposition leaders have rejected these outcomes, alleging widespread fraud and voter intimidation.
This push to ban parties follows months of threats from Georgian Dream founder Bidzina Ivanishvili, who vowed during campaign rallies to eliminate what he called “radical” opposition if his party won big. The targeted parties represent a significant portion of pro-Western voices in Georgia, pushing for closer ties with the European Union and reforms to combat corruption.
Protests have erupted across Tbilisi and other cities since the elections, with demonstrators demanding fresh votes and an end to what they see as authoritarian drift. International observers noted issues like ballot stuffing and pressure on voters, fueling doubts about the election’s fairness.
Details of the Ban Request
Papuashvili stated the complaint focuses on evidence that these opposition forces reject the government’s legitimacy and pursue unconstitutional goals. He argued this creates a direct challenge to Georgia’s stability, especially amid external pressures from Russia and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The three parties in question include:
- United National Movement, founded by former President Mikheil Saakashvili, known for its strong anti-Russian stance.
- Coalition for Change, which brings together figures like Nika Gvaramia and Nika Melia, emphasizing democratic reforms.
- Strong Georgia, led by businessmen Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze, focusing on economic growth and EU integration.
Other opposition groups, such as Droa, Girchi More Freedom, and European Georgia, are not targeted for now, as Papuashvili said they do not pose the same level of threat due to lower electoral support.
Impact on Georgia’s Democracy and EU Path
This development has sparked alarm among democracy advocates, who warn it could mirror tactics used in authoritarian states to silence dissent. Georgia’s bid for EU membership, granted candidate status in 2023, now hangs in the balance. The European Union suspended integration talks in late 2024, citing laws on foreign agents and restrictions on LGBTQ rights passed by Georgian Dream.
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has defended the party’s actions, claiming opposition groups attempted multiple coups in recent years. He announced in November 2024 that EU negotiations would be delayed until 2028, prioritizing national stability over rapid integration.
Recent events show a deepening divide. On December 29, 2024, Mikheil Kavelashvili was sworn in as president after disputed elections, which outgoing President Salome Zurabishvili refused to recognize. This has led to more protests, with calls for early elections and reforms.
| Key Events in Georgia’s 2024-2025 Political Crisis | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Parliamentary Elections | October 26, 2024 | Georgian Dream wins majority amid fraud claims. |
| EU Suspends Integration | November 2024 | Cites anti-democratic laws and election issues. |
| Presidential Oath | December 29, 2024 | Kavelashvili sworn in; opposition boycotts. |
| Ban Complaint Filed | October 28, 2025 | Targets three major opposition parties. |
| Planned Protests | October 26, 2025 | Large rally in Tbilisi demands democratic changes. |
Reactions from Opposition and International Community
Opposition leaders have condemned the ban attempt as a power grab. Tina Bokuchava from the United National Movement called it an attack on free speech, while others vowed to fight the decision in court and on the streets.
Internationally, the U.S. and EU have expressed concern, with statements urging Georgia to uphold democratic norms. Analysts point to similar moves in neighboring countries, where ruling parties have consolidated power by sidelining rivals, often leading to isolation.
Public sentiment, based on recent polls, shows nearly half of Georgians support the targeted parties, highlighting the risk of further unrest if the ban succeeds.
What Happens Next for Georgia
The Constitutional Court, seen by critics as influenced by Georgian Dream, will review the complaint in the coming weeks. If approved, the ban could dissolve these parties, revoke their parliamentary seats, and bar leaders from politics.
Experts predict more protests and potential economic fallout, as foreign investment dips amid instability. Georgia’s economy, reliant on tourism and trade, grew by about 5 percent in 2024 but faces slowdown risks in 2025 due to political uncertainty.
For now, the nation watches closely as this unfolds, balancing internal power struggles with aspirations for a European future.
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