Zaza Bibilashvili: What is happening in Georgia is already classical authoritarianism - In our country’s case, the term “democratic backsliding” is over

What is happening in Georgia is already classical authoritarianism, and the term “democratic backsliding” is over in Georgia’s case. The regulations recently adopted in the country seem to be legal, but in reality, they restrict free speech, said Zaza Bibilashvili, head of the Chavchavadze Center, on the PalitraNews program “Day’s Newsroom.”

According to him, amendments to the “Law on Broadcasting” and the government’s complaints filed with the Communications Commission against several Georgian media outlets show that the authorities are trying to tailor regulations to their own interests.

“The Georgian Dream has taken control of the Communications Commission and staffed it almost 100% with its own personnel. It has tailored the law to itself and is now censoring our words. It’s already clear what will happen to media outlets, as the people involved in this process are part of one big game. They are staging a show.

From the beginning, Georgian Dream had one characteristic: affiliation with Russia. Today, with all cards on the table, Russia no longer has the luxury of playing democracy with them. In this situation, they have been given a direct order from Russia to suppress free speech and protests. They want all free speech and resistance in Georgia to end, making Georgia part of the so-called ‘Russian world.’ For Russia’s geopolitical goals, it’s important that the eastern Black Sea region be entirely under its influence. Previously, Georgian Dream’s rhetoric was that the former government filled the budget with fines. Now, we see that fines have doubled and tripled, and they boast about it. They take pleasure in fining activists on Rustaveli Avenue 5,000 GEL,” he stated.

Regarding Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s statements at today’s government meeting, Bibilashvili noted that Kobakhidze speaks of an alternate reality, a classic example of government propaganda.

“I listened to Kobakhidze’s speech. I was both amused and angered by these statements. This is a classic example of propaganda. The country faces fundamental problems in every direction. Meanwhile, the so-called Prime Minister offers us an alternate reality. He wants to talk about figures that are completely detached from reality. He doesn’t mention the dozens of prisoners of conscience or that the only European country they can visit is Hungary, which is itself an outcast in Europe. They want to strangle independent media in Georgia.

They talk about fulfilling EU recommendations, yet no EU leader, except Orbán, meets with them. This is a shameful situation. The fact that the French President pats Kobakhidze on the shoulder and exchanges a few words in passing becomes news for them, and they build speculation around it, as if they discussed something significant in 15 seconds. Under this government, talk of the EU and NATO is over,” he stated.

Regarding Viktor Orbán’s praise of Irakli Kobakhidze, calling him a “hero” and “international patriot” who “doesn’t bow to Brussels,” Bibilashvili noted that Kobakhidze and Orbán are in similar situations.

“Today, Orbán is in a very difficult position. The person he talks to most often is Irakli Kobakhidze. Portraying Kobakhidze as a hero or leader is laughable. It’s unclear what ‘international patriot’ means. Georgians must realize what Ivanishvili’s regime is offering. For them, someone like Antsukhelidze is a hero sacrificed for someone’s PR, while the real hero is Kobakhidze. They insult those who sacrificed themselves for independence and freedom. It suits them to talk about these topics rather than other issues. Meanwhile, Zurab Japaridze is detained just to stage a show, ‘Tsulukiani’s circus,’ and an innocent person sits in prison for nothing. This is the ultimate evil Ivanishvili offers.

Georgian Dream tries to present itself as a legitimate force, as if it has an identity and vision. In reality, these are situational decisions. Years ago, they were members of the ‘European Socialists,’ from which they were expelled in disgrace. We are a country with territories occupied by Russia. This issue is not even a topic for Ivanishvili’s regime. They talk about not bowing to Brussels but don’t mention not bowing to Russia. This is a regime for which only its own interests matter,” he stated.