Former Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia has delivered pointed critiques of the ruling Georgian Dream party, contending that it has failed to take advantage of significant geopolitical changes occurring in the South Caucasus. Gakharia, who leads the For Georgia party, lambasted the government for what he described as “anti-national” policies that have increasingly isolated Georgia at a critical juncture when Armenia and Azerbaijan are actively pursuing new economic and security partnerships.
In his recent commentary, Gakharia expressed concern that Tbilisi is being left out of critical discussions regarding the evolving regional order, while the capitals of Baku and Yerevan are more adept at navigating the shifting geopolitical landscape. He cautioned that Georgia risks losing its strategic importance and failing to seize vital opportunities to enhance its role as a regional hub.
A significant focus of his criticism was directed toward Georgia’s waning relationship with the United States. Gakharia noted the absence of Georgia during recent high-level US diplomatic engagements in the South Caucasus, labeling this trend as alarming and indicative of the nation’s diminishing influence in regional diplomacy. He emphasized that deteriorating ties with the US contribute to Georgia’s marginalization during a period of transformation in regional security frameworks.
Furthermore, Gakharia argued that the current government has distanced itself from Western partners and has not positioned Georgia as a key player in peace negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. He emphasized the nation’s need to leverage its strategic location and diplomatic skills to maintain its relevance in vital regional discussions.
“It is good that at least our neighbors understand Georgia’s role, while the current Georgian government has no real grasp of the opportunities that ongoing geopolitical changes are presenting to Georgia and to all three countries of the South Caucasus,” Gakharia remarked on social media platform X.
He called for a strategic reset to enhance cooperation with neighboring countries and regain Georgia’s position at the heart of regional discussions. Gakharia stressed that the nation’s long-term security and economic prospects hinge on proactive engagement and the effective integration into newly formed regional structures.
His statements come amid a rising political discourse in Georgia regarding the government’s foreign policy direction and its management of relations with Western allies, especially in light of the rapidly evolving dynamics in the South Caucasus. The political landscape reflects a growing urgency for Georgia to reassess its strategy and reinforce diplomatic ties that could prove essential for its future stability and integration into regional frameworks.