Georgia’s post-election turmoil points to deepening rift with EU

Ties between Tbilisi and Brussels continue to deteriorate following the 4th October 4 local elections which saw the opposition hold a rally on the day of elections.

So far around 45 people have been arrested in connection with the protests which saw protesters attempt to gain access to Georgia Presidential Palace but were dispersed by Police.

In a striking accusation, Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili claimed that “Brussels is behind the street wars in Tbilisi.” echoing Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s recent criticism of the EU’s so-called “war plans,” Papuashvili argued that the European Union’s “peace project” increasingly resembles a “war project.”

His comments mark a dramatic escalation in Georgia’s political discourse — and a clear sign of ideological realignment within parts of Europe.

Papuashvili’s statement reflects a broader trend among conservative and nationalist movements across Europe, which accuse Brussels of overstepping its authority and eroding traditional values.

From Budapest to Tbilisi, political leaders are tapping into scepticism toward the EU’s liberal agenda while promoting a narrative of sovereignty and identity.

The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s Special Representative for the South Caucasus, Luis Graça, has voiced alarm over what he described as “increasing tensions and violence” that erupted during and after the vote.

In a statement, Graça urged Georgian authorities to uphold democratic principles, respect the right to peaceful assembly, and allow civil society to operate freely and without fear.

“Democratic governance must be based on the rule of law, accountability, and peaceful political dialogue,” Graça said, calling on all parties to refrain from violence and engage constructively within legitimate political processes.

While the OSCE’s message centres on dialogue and restraint, Georgia’s internal rhetoric has taken a sharply different turn.

Georgia, once seen as a model reformer and an aspirant for EU integration, now appears increasingly aligned with Europe’s conservative bloc. This shift underscores what many analysts describe as Europe’s dual face — a continent split between its liberal-democratic core and a growing circle of states challenging Brussels’ influence.

For Georgia, the stakes are high. As international organizations like the OSCE call for calm and political dialogue, the government’s open criticism of the EU risks complicating its long-term ambitions for closer European ties.

Whether Georgia can balance its ideological sympathies with its strategic aspirations remains to be seen.

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