What is happening in Georgia today is already classical authoritarianism, and the term “democratic backsliding” no longer applies in our case. The recent regulations adopted in the country may appear legal on the surface, but in reality, they are aimed at restricting free speech — said Zaza Bibilashvili, head of the Chavchavadze Center, during an appearance on Palitra News’ “Daily Newsroom.”

According to him, the amendments to the “Law on Broadcasting,” along with the ruling party’s complaints to the Communications Commission against several Georgian media outlets, show that the government is trying to tailor regulations to serve its own interests.

“Georgian Dream” has taken control of the Communications Commission and staffed it almost entirely with its own people. They have tailored the law to fit themselves and are now censoring words. We already know in advance what will happen to media outlets because the individuals involved in the process are all part of one big performance. They are staging a show.

From the very beginning, “Georgian Dream” had one defining trait — affiliation with Russia. Today, with all cards on the table, Russia no longer has the luxury to pretend it’s playing democratic games. Under these circumstances, the ruling party has received direct orders from Russia to silence free speech and suppress protest. Their goal is to eliminate all forms of freedom of expression and resistance in Georgia, turning the country into part of the so-called “Russian world.” For Russia’s geopolitical interests, it is crucial that the eastern Black Sea region falls entirely under its influence. In the past, “Georgian Dream” would accuse the former government of filling the budget with fines. Now, we’re seeing fines multiplied tenfold. They’re proud of this. They take pleasure in fining activists who come out on Rustaveli Avenue 5,000 GEL,” Bibilashvili said.

Regarding Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s statements at today’s government session, Bibilashvili noted that Kobakhidze is talking about an alternative reality, which is a textbook example of propaganda from the government.

“I listened to Kobakhidze’s speech — it was laughable and infuriating at the same time. It’s a classic example of propaganda. There are fundamental problems in every direction in the country, yet the so-called prime minister presents us with an alternative reality. He talks about statistics completely detached from the truth. He doesn’t mention that there are dozens of prisoners of conscience in the country. He doesn’t mention that the only European country that welcomes him is Hungary — a pariah in Europe. They want to strangle independent media in Georgia.

They talk about fulfilling EU recommendations, but no EU leader, except Orbán, will meet with them. This is a disgraceful situation. The fact that the President of France pats Kobakhidze on the shoulder and says a word in passing becomes a headline for them, and they build speculations around those 15 seconds, pretending that something significant was discussed. Under this government, any talk of the EU or NATO is over,” he said.

As for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán calling Kobakhidze a “hero” and an “international patriot” who “does not bow to Brussels,” Bibilashvili said Kobakhidze and Orbán are in similar positions.

“Today, Orbán is struggling. The person he speaks to most often is Irakli Kobakhidze. Portraying Kobakhidze as a hero or leader is laughable. It’s unclear what an ‘international patriot’ even means. Georgians must understand what kind of regime Ivanishvili has imposed. For them, Anzhelika Antsukhelidze is just a PR-created hero, while the real hero is Kobakhidze. They insult those who sacrificed themselves for independence and freedom. They benefit from us discussing these distractions instead of other pressing issues. Meanwhile, Zurab Japaridze is imprisoned just to put on a show — the ‘Tsulukiani circus’ — and an innocent man is sitting in jail for nothing. This is the height of evil that Ivanishvili is imposing on us.

‘Georgian Dream’ is trying to portray itself as a legitimate political force, as if it has identity and vision. In reality, it makes opportunistic decisions. Years ago, they were members of the ‘European Socialists,’ from which they were kicked out. We are a country whose territories are occupied by Russia — and yet this issue is not even on the agenda for Ivanishvili’s regime. They talk about not bowing to Brussels, but never about not bowing to Moscow. This is a regime that prioritizes only its own interests,” he concluded.