Honoring 34 years today since Georgians declared a thundering YES to independence for the world to hear.
Yes to Independence
Independence
Congratulations Georgia!
Thirty-Four years ago on March 31st., the Georgian people were asked a very simple question: „Do you agree or disagree with restoring Georgia’s state independence based on the Act of May 26, 1918?“
To which an overwhelming majority of 98,9 % answered „Yes“. Thus, the Georgian independence was once again restored, following its first independence from 1918 to 1921 and 70 years of Soviet occupation.
So today, once again be a big rally will take place in Tbilisi celebrating the referendum including an appearance of President Salome Zourabishvili who is said to announce an action plans of democratic powers.
4000 Members Needed to Stay Afloat
In 2023, I had the opportunity to meet Mariam Nikuradze, an award-winning journalist and co-founder of the Georgian independent media platform OC Media, at their office in Tbilisi. She shared the history of OC Media, their focus on reporting issues concerning the Caucasus region, the political situation in Georgia, and the challenges they were already facing due to increasing pressure on independent journalism in the country.
Fast forward to early 2025, erratic developments in U.S. politics led to a standstill in major funding sources for this independent journalism outlet, threatening its very existence. In response, they launched a campaign to gain new subscribers, aiming to sustain their work independently—free from external financial influence and accountable only to their readers and supporters.
According to co-founder Dominik K. Cagara, they need 4,000 members out of approximately 450,000 active users of the platform. I’m one of them … will you join too?
Remembering The Russian Occupation
On this day in 1921, Georgia was occupied by the Soviets as Tbilisi fell to the Red Army. To commemorate the occupation, demonstrations will take place across Tbilisi, each honoring a hero of the 1921 war. The groups will unite at Heroes Square before marching toward the Georgian Parliament where a final rally will be held.
Look at this country, look at these people.
„We Will Not Surrender“
Eighty days and counting. The Georgian people continue to take to the streets every day and night, protesting in the capital, Tbilisi, and cities across the country. They are demanding new and fair elections, the release of all political prisoners, and the continuation of the EU accession process.
This is a prime example of unwavering civic engagement in the fight for democracy—organized by civil society. We, as the „Western world,“ should watch and learn.
Georgian Nightmare
The road to authoritarianism is paved with “let’s wait and see.” The Georgian government has just announced a set of repressive laws that will further dismantle democracy and centralize power. In short, this means criminalizing dissent, silencing opposition, and seizing total control.
This is the most dangerous moment for Georgia’s democracy since it gained independence in 1991. Essentially, it marks a step closer to the authoritarian axis of Russia, China, and Iran. If Western alliances hope to counter this, they must urgently step up their support for the Georgian civil society and opposition—and they must do it now.
For a deeper understanding of what’s at stake, read Terje Helland’s excellent analysis on BlueSky, which served as the source for the thoughts expressed above. And if you want to see more, consider supporting his efforts to inform and engage.
Resolve And Resilience
While the protests are still going on and going strong in Georgia, for the 58th day in a row, new and creative ways are emerging. Such as today, the hacking of payment machines in Tbilisi busses, so that people heard the declaration of Georgian independence: „I am Georgian, therefor I am European“ among other protest songs and speeches.
Georgia is a Free Country
Over the past few days, tensions in Georgia have been escalating once again. There was the first-ever strike, which was followed by numerous businesses and citizens. But there were also protesters and media representatives who were arrested, and violent attacks on citizens and even opposition politicians, carried out by high-ranking officials of the self-proclaimed government.
Meanwhile an article was published on civil.ge written by Natalie Sabanadze, a Senior Research Fellow at the Russia and Eurasia Programme of Chatham House, and former head of the Georgian mission to the EU as well as former ambassador of Georgia to Belgium and Luxembourg.
She provides a compelling analysis of the situation, examining how the Georgian Dream (GD) is precipitating its own downfall, claiming that Georgia is a free country after all. Really? Given all the news mentioned above?
She argues, that Georgia „is a revolutionary democracy where popular resistance serves as the ultimate check on power. While ruling elites may succeed in capturing the state, they consistently fail to subjugate its citizens.“
Her article offers a fascinating perspective on the current situation, leading to the assumption that the „protest movement’s strategy should focus on maximizing the costs for the GD and undermining its claim of being in effective control of the country. The GD should not be dictating scenarios but rather responding to those set by the protesters and their international supporters.“
National Flag Day
Today is „Flag of Georgia“ Day. While people continue to demonstrate against the self-proclaimed government and advocate for the release of all detained protesters—particularly Mzia Amaglobeli, the recently arrested director of the media outlets Batumelebi and Netgazeti—they are also celebrating their flag as the ultimate symbol of their commitment to a free and European Georgia.
Insights and a Historic First
While the old year ended with a new but illegitimate president alongside an „old“ but legitimate one, the people in Georgia started the new year with continued protests on the streets of Tbilisi and in many other cities across Georgia, calling for new elections and the liberation of all detained protesters.
But there were also interesting write-ups about what’s going on. The student and activist Gocha Gogsadze wrote about „everything you didn’t realize you needed to know about Georgia’s protests“.
Rasa Jukneviciene, Lithuanian member of the European Parliament also serving as „Permanent Rapporteur on Georgian Affairs at the European Parliament“, drew a wider panorama providing background about Georgia and beyond, mentioning that what is happening in Georgia „… is one of the episodes in Russia’s centuries-long imperial actions and Putin’s hybrid war against democracies.“
Meanwhile, for the first time ever, local businesses have announced a three-hour strike on January 15.
