According to Lasha Bakradze, professor at Ilia State University, the ongoing protest proves that there is a segment of the population in Georgia that does not intend to surrender to dictatorship without resistance.

Speaking on PalitraNews’ program Free Studio, Bakradze stated that a new wave of protest may begin in the fall.

He also noted that, "Although the protest is currently in a certain deadlock, the government is in a deadlock as well."

"The outcome of a protest that has lasted more than 200 days is that society sees there are people in Georgia who are not willing to surrender to the dictatorship that 'Georgian Dream' is trying to establish in the country. Of course, resistance must grow. It’s possible that resistance will begin anew with greater force in the fall. Just as the resistance is in a deadlock, the government is also cornered,” Bakradze said.

He attributed the reduced momentum of the rallies to the restrictions imposed by Georgian Dream.

In his view, the pause in the protest movement doesn’t mean it will disappear – on the contrary, the accumulated tension in the country could erupt into a mass explosion:

"We must admit that the restrictions imposed by Georgian Dream are working, which is why the number of people attending the rallies has declined. In the end, the very existence of protest is important. Georgian Dream should be well aware that there are many people in Georgia who are dissatisfied with this government. As soon as the moment comes, hundreds of thousands of people will take to the streets. I think this could become very dangerous under such conditions. When people are kept under constant pressure, one day they will take up pitchforks — and then it will be very difficult to stop them,” Bakradze said.

Bakradze also spoke about the upcoming local self-government elections, stating that under the current political and electoral system, it is impossible for the opposition to win, and participation — as well as non-participation — carries the risk of marginalization:

“There is no chance of winning. There is no logic in opposition parties taking part in the elections. Not participating could lead to marginalization, but participating will also marginalize them. No one will monitor or check anything — they will write down whatever they want.

At the very least, Gakharia’s party should issue demands: the release of political prisoners, the repeal of draconian laws, and the improvement of the electoral environment. Obviously, Georgian Dream will not agree to any of this. If you don't set conditions, there is no point at all. Under these circumstances, there is no point in participating in the elections,” Bakradze concluded.