Where Will Georgia’s Fate Be Decided: On Rustaveli or “Russ’ Field”?
In Tbilisi, every evening begins the same way on Rustaveli Avenue: after 7 PM, crowds head toward the city center, and within hours, their numbers reach tens of thousands. Dancing, discussions, hopeful moods, and even an unprecedented New Year’s feast have become part of the protest culture. Rustaveli Avenue, once again, stands as the stage where the country’s near future may be determined.
Over the past 30 years of Georgia’s independence, Rustaveli Avenue has seen countless protests, clashes, and demonstrations. Yet, never before have the protests been so massive and regular. People of all ages and social backgrounds come together with a common goal: the path to Europe and a future aligned with it.
It’s too early to say how this wave of protests will conclude, but Georgia is evidently undergoing yet another pivotal moment in its recent history. The outcome might shape not only the country’s future but also the geopolitical landscape of the region for years to come.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has significantly accelerated the region’s European integration process, removing bureaucratic barriers that once took years to overcome. This has given Georgia genuine hope for EU membership. Against this backdrop, the ruling Georgian Dream party’s decision to pause integration is seen by protesters as a betrayal and a pivot toward Russia.
Meanwhile, the Georgian Dream tries to maintain appearances, claiming that everything is proceeding as usual. Party representatives assert that the government continues functioning in a “normal mode.”
But where is the solution, and who will decide it?
Trump’s Window
Political analyst Ramaz Sakvarelidze stated in a special broadcast on Georgia’s First Channel:
*”I cannot discuss this without considering the developments abroad. The key figures in international relations are much larger players. How these global-scale actors arrange the geopolitical cards around Georgia will make it challenging to analyze events here without that context.
Donald Trump has not yet stepped into Europe. He is looking toward Europe through Hungary’s window. Hungary is conservative, and Orbán never neglects Georgia, arriving immediately the day after the elections. Considering that Trump views Europe through Orbán’s room, likely due to their shared conservative stance, one can expect a measured and possibly supportive position towards us. Georgia is also seen as a conservatively oriented state, and this orientation serves as the foundation for building a bridge to Trump.”*
Congressman Joe Wilson told Radio Free Europe:
“They have a completely incorrect perception of Donald Trump. He supports freedom and democracy and backs leaders like President Zourabichvili, who raises her voice against war criminal Putin. While Trump favors negotiations, he acts decisively when he sees that an agreement cannot be reached.”
Security expert Mamuka Areshidze added in the First Channel broadcast:
*”For the current situation in Georgia to emerge, there were many interested forces, both internally and externally. The solution must be compromise—it is essential. Without political compromise, the country cannot stand on its feet.
I say that the parties must come to an agreement, but do not ask me who and with whom should come to terms. The government’s primary task is not to lose the initiative; they must take the lead and talk to everyone.”*
Salome: A Controversy Over the Palace
Salome Zourabichvili refused to recognize Mikheil Kavelashvili as Georgia’s next president, though she chose not to contest the presidential residence.
December 29 was expected to mark a significant turning point in the fierce political confrontation between the Georgian Dream and the opposition. On this date, Mikheil Kavelashvili, a former footballer elected president by a special electoral commission, was scheduled to be inaugurated. Salome Zourabichvili, who had held the presidency since 2018, refused to recognize her successor as the rightful leader. She declared that she would not only remain president but also take up residence in the Orbeliani Palace.
Ultimately, Zourabichvili chose not to take the risk and left the palace voluntarily, though she claimed to have taken “legitimacy” with her. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze responded by stating that “citizen Zourabichvili is no longer of interest” and declared Mikheil Kavelashvili the country’s first “patriot president” in 20 years.
“I will leave the palace and come to you,” Zourabichvili said, quickly defusing the intrigue. She decided not to carry out her earlier threat of refusing to leave the presidential residence. Her decision was likely influenced by the government’s “final warning.” Just one hour before Kavelashvili’s inauguration, Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili gave a briefing, stating, “Zourabichvili did not inherit the palace. Her advisers should tell her not to go against the Georgian people.”
Ramaz Sakvarelidze:
“This decision will have an impact on Zourabichvili herself. A positive image has been created around her, although many disapprove of her actions. However, this step was the better one. It ended in a way that benefited the country, the opposition, and Zourabichvili herself. It was a good decision.”
Mamuka Areshidze:
*”The public had certain expectations. This culmination of the crisis was that Salome either stayed or left. Her departure gave the process a civilized appearance. In Western political norms, an illegitimate figure is an unacceptable concept. I wouldn’t be surprised if they advised her to leave the palace.
Had she not left, it would have created another climax—a spectacle, a story—but that did not happen.”*
As Salome Zourabichvili left the Orbeliani Palace, she warned that protests under her leadership would continue nationwide. She then went directly to Svetitskhoveli Cathedral to pray.
“At the invitation of Western leaders, I am planning official foreign visits,” Zourabichvili announced, stubbornly maintaining that she remains Georgia’s legitimate president.
Interestingly, she has already received one such invitation. Republican Congressman and Chairman of the Helsinki Commission, Joe Wilson, invited “Georgia’s legitimate president, Salome Zourabichvili” to attend the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump.
This news was met with excitement by the opposition, who pointed to it as evidence of recognition from the West and the U.S. Conversely, pro-government TV channels (Imedi and PostTV) immediately cast doubt on the invitation, alleging that Joe Wilson was receiving financial support from Georgian millionaire and former Defense Minister Davit Kezerashvili to make favorable statements.
Economy in Politics
Mamuka Areshidze:
*”It’s understandable that people have grievances, but they must also consider what’s happening around them. Intense preparations are underway to operationalize trade routes that will pass through Georgian territory. Meanwhile, we are preoccupied with our internal crisis and are paying little attention to the developments around us. Sooner or later, these opposing forces will start settling matters here.
For instance, India has leased an Iranian port for many years, and China has signed agreements with Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to connect to the Middle Corridor through railroads. Loyal allies like China and Russia also compete over how these routes intersect. And most importantly, who will control them? That’s the crux of the issue. From my perspective, the U.S. is seriously positioning itself as the controller of these routes. This suggests a certain prospect, regardless of what Wilson or others might say.”*
Retired U.S. Army General Ben Hodges also touched on the economic aspect in an interview with Voice of America:
“We will have to compete with China. While China is undertaking projects in Georgia that are not illegal, we must also ensure competition. I am confident that the U.S. and Western countries can offer better terms than the debt traps often associated with China’s infrastructure projects. Of course, we must highlight the necessity of the Anaklia Deep Sea Port. It would benefit Georgia’s trade through the Black Sea and the surrounding region. This is the last thing Russia wants.”
Georgia’s Choice: External Perspectives
In the United States, the 119th Congress reintroduced the “Georgia Support Act.” Soon, for the first time, the “Non-Recognition of the Nightmare Government Act” will be presented.
Washington experts view the sanctioning of Bidzina Ivanishvili as a significant step, proving that he is not untouchable. Western allies are uniting to support Salome Zourabichvili, declaring her as Georgia’s sole legitimate president.
“We strongly condemn violence against peaceful protesters, media representatives, and opposition leaders. We remind Georgia’s government of its responsibility to respect human rights and protect fundamental freedoms, including freedom of assembly and media,” wrote the foreign ministers of Germany, France, and Poland in a joint statement.
“We’ve seen Putin falter in Moldova, Romania, and Syria. The list of Russia’s global failures is growing… Unfortunately, the only success Putin has achieved is with the Georgian Dream,” Republican Congressman Joe Wilson told Radio Free Europe.
We await Trump—and which window of the White House he will look out from!
Until then, the protests, hope, and push for Europe continue on Rustaveli Avenue.
Where will Georgia’s fate be decided?
