The agency “France-Presse”, in response to the march held at Tbilisi, “Georgia Chooses the European Union”, says that tens of thousands Georgians took part in a pro-European demonstration a few days prior to the parliamentary election. Participants of the rally held banners with inscriptions such as: “Georgia Chooses the European Union”.
The publication states that the upcoming elections to the parliament are a test of the country’s democratic system and its efforts to join the European Union.
“Public opinion surveys show that opposition parties will likely win enough votes to replace the ruling party controlled billionaire BidzinaIvanishvili. Analysts warn of the possibility of riots, if the “Georgian Dream”, the ruling party controlled by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, tries to maintain power regardless of the results of the election.
“France Presse” writes that the “Georgian Dream”, in power since 2012, initially pursued a liberal pro Western policy. However, in the past two years it has changed course and is accused of moving closer to Moscow.
“The President spread a message of support for the European Union at opposition’s rally”, Reuters responds with this article to the march in Tbilisi.
“The October 26th elections are widely seen as a test to see if Georgia will return into Russia‘s orbit, or maintain its pro Western orientation. “Wrapped in the flags from the European Union and Georgia on Sunday, Georgians gathered at Freedom Square to show their support for four main pro-Western groups that will run for office next weekend,” wrote the publication.
Reuters notes that the European Union granted Georgia Candidate Status last year. However, relations have deteriorated since Georgian Dream adopted a “foreign agents” law which critics claim is evidence that it is leaning towards Russia.
The publication reports that while Salome Zurabishvili spoke about the rally, unidentified persons from a nearby roof shined lasers at her face, clearly to distract her.
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