Georgie : les politiques après la révolution

D’après un article d’Alexander Rondeli du think tank Open Democracy, les problèmes de la Géorgie ne sont pas dus à la mauvaise administration gouvernementale à court terme, mais sont enracinés dans des réalités géopolitiques, institutionnelles et historiques plus larges.

The author outlines a period of crisis of Georgia, characterised by a series of events between September and November 2007, including political infighting, mass demonstrations, the declaration of a state of emergency, and the announcement of presidential elections a year ahead of schedule. 

According to Rondeli, the context in which the crisis has erupted shows that far more than the election of a new government will be needed to address its deeper origin. The post-Soviet country remains « prone to unexpected, zig-zag developments rooted in its complex inheritance », he asserts. 

The paper also raises the issue of the absence of a political elite « anchored to a modern and effective governmental system ». Even though this has started to take shape in recent times, it has been a difficult process, notes the author. 

In addition, tension between Georgia and Russia influences Georgian domestic policy. Rondeli gives the example of television stations that have transmitted video footage hinting at the collaboration of some of the opposition leaders with Tbilisi-based Russian diplomats. 

Lastly, the 10% annual growth rate has not improved the social conditions of Georgians, notes the paper. The attempts to reform the country towards a market economy and a functioning democracy have lacked measures to guarantee social safety, create jobs or reduce unemployment, the author says. 

Even though the combination of these economic, social and political factors helps explain the recent demonstrations in Georgia, the political culture of Georgian society remains a topical issue, the author says. 

According to Rondeli, this political culture is qualified by the « unstable fusion of Marxist and democratic vision and clichés concerning the state and its role, and socio-economic development ». 

Before the presidential election that will be held on 5 January 2008, it is important that political progress is encouraged to ensure « a clean, transparent and fair outcome that all Georgia’s citizens can recognise », concludes the author. 

Both the political leadership and the opposition can play their part, he adds.