Is Georgia’s European future being written on the streets of Tbilisi — or erased in the halls of Parliament?
For over a year, Georgia has been locked in a high-stakes struggle for its democratic identity, and freedom. Following the contested 2024 elections and a wave of „Russian-style“ repressive laws, the political landscape has shifted from debate to defiance. At the heart of this movement is Droa, an opposition party that has become synonymous with bold, symbolic action and unwavering pro-European commitment.
We are thrilled to invite Polis members to an informal, digital Q&A with Marika Makiashvili from the Droa party. She is a foreign secretary for DROA as well as a lecturer on political science at Alte University. This isn’t a policy briefing; it’s an inside look at what it means to be a democratic actor in an increasingly authoritarian environment.
What we will discuss:
- Life in the Opposition: How do you organise when the legal framework—from „foreign agent“ designations to anti-protest laws—is designed to silence you?
- The Power of the Street: First-hand experiences from the 2024–2026 protest waves. What does resistance look like when the stakes are personal?
- The European Dream: With the EU accession process on ice and growing regional pressures, what is the strategy to bring Georgia back to the European path?
This is a rare opportunity to move beyond the headlines and engage directly with someone navigating the frontlines of democratic backsliding. Bring your questions and your curiosity for an open exchange on the future of Georgia.
Join us as we explore the resilience of those refusing to let the light of democracy fade in the Caucasus.
