List of political parties in Georgia (country)
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This is a list of political parties in the country of Georgia.
Georgia has a multi-party system.
Active parties
[edit]Major parties
[edit]Parties with parliamentary representation
[edit]The following parties have representation in the Parliament of Georgia.
Official logo | Name | Ideology | Year founded | Votes in 2020 proportional parliamentary polls | Seats in Parliament | Leader | Note |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Georgian Dream | Social democracy Social conservatism Syncretism |
2012 | 928,004 (48.22%) | 74 / 150 |
Irakli Kobakhidze | Founded by Bidzina Ivanishvili to challenge Mikheil Saakashvili's rule in the 2012 parliamentary election; has been the ruling party in Georgia since then. The party supports more centre-left economic approach compared to the United National Movement while maintaining a liberal economic model, balanced foreign policy, and less repressive criminal policy compared to UNM. Over the years, the party's socially conservative positions became more pronounced. |
United National Movement | Euro-Atlanticism Economic liberalism Civic nationalism |
2001 | Ran in coalition as part of Strength is in Unity Bloc. | 15 / 150 |
Levan Khabeishvili | Founded in 2001 by Mikheil Saakashvili as a vehicle for opposition politicians to unite and challenge then-president Eduard Shevardnadze. The 2003 Rose Revolution brought party to the power until its defeat in the 2012 election. Since then, the UNM is the main opposition party. The party supports "tough-on-crime" policy, and strongly opposes any rapprochement towards Russia. Saakashvili is a central figure in the party to this day. | |
People's Power | Sovereigntism | 2022 | Then part of Georgian Dream. | 9 / 150 |
Sozar Subari | Formed by a group of MPs who split from Georgian Dream and accused the EU and USA of trying to pressure and overthrow the Georgian government. Its ideology revolves around "protecting Georgia's sovereignty" from foreign forces and limiting foreign influence. The group proposed a law similar to FARA, which was met by protests and eventually rejected.After initially only being active as a political movement, People's Power was registered as a party in March 2024. It remains a part of the parliamentary majority together with GD. | |
For Georgia | Reformism Pro-Europeanism |
2021 | Then part of Georgian Dream. | 5 / 150 |
Giorgi Gakharia | Formed by former Georgian Dream Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia, who resigned and left GD in 2021. The party has been critical of both the GD government and the opposition United National Movement. | |
Girchi | Right-libertarianism | 2016 | 55,598 (2.89%) | 4 / 150 |
Iago Khvichia | A right-libertarian party that split from UNM, known for its strong support for legalization of cannabis in Georgia and free market economic policy. | |
European Socialists | Social democracy Social conservatism |
2020 | Then part of Alliance of Patriots of Georgia. | 4 / 150 |
Fridon Injia | A group of businessmen that broke from the Alliance of Patriots to establish their own political grouping in parliament. A party has social democratic and conservative views. | |
Progress and Freedom | Euro-Atlanticism | 2020 | Ran in coalition as part of Strength is in Unity Bloc. | 3 / 150 |
Tsezar Chocheli Kakhaber Okriashvili |
Founded by businessman Kakha Okriashvili, who was previously associated with the GD but currently is partner of UNM. | |
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State for the People | Christian democracy | 2016 | Ran in coalition as part of Strength is in Unity Bloc. | 3 / 150 |
Nato Chkheidze | Founded by Paata Burchuladze as an attempt to bring new faces to politics, generally considered to be unsuccessful project. The party was rebranded since then and currently is in coalition with other opposition parties to remove GD from government. |
Lelo for Georgia | Centrism Pro-Europeanism |
2019 | 60,712 (3.15%) | 2 / 150 |
Mamuka Khazaradze | Founded by banker Mamuka Khazaradze. | |
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Strategy Aghmashenebeli | Euro-Atlanticism |
2016 | Ran in coalition with Law and Justice. | 2 / 150 |
Giorgi Vashadze | Founded by former UNM government official Giorgi Vashadze as a new beginning for Vashadze's political ambitions. |
Citizens | Populism Euro-Atlanticism |
2020 | 25,508 (1.33%) | 2 / 150 |
Aleko Elisashvili | Founded by activist Aleko Elisashvili, described as populist. | |
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Republican Party | Classical liberalism | 1978 | Ran in coalition as part of Strength is in Unity Bloc. | 1 / 150 |
Khatuna Samnidze | Oldest active Georgian political party, founded on liberal principles during the late Soviet period. |
Law and Justice | Euro-Atlanticism | 2019 | Ran in coalition with Strategy Aghmashenebeli. | 1 / 150 |
Tako Charkviani | Founded by former UNM politician Tako Charkviani | |
National Democratic Party | Conservatism | 1988 | 421 (0.02%) | 1 / 150 |
Bachuki Kardava | One of the oldest Georgian parties, actively involved in national movement of the late Soviet period, seeking to secure Georgia's independence from the Soviet Union. The party's then-nationalistic and theocratic views have been replaced by more christian democratic positions. | |
Victorious Georgia | Militarism |
2019 | Ran in coalition as part of Strength is in Unity Bloc. | 1 / 150 |
Irakli Okruashvili | Founded by former UNM defence minister Irakli Okruashvili, who supported a military solution to the Ossetia conflict. The party strongly opposes Russian migration to Georgia during the Ukraine crisis, with the party's leader even suggesting a violent action to curb immigration. |
The following parties won seats in the 10th Parliament of Georgia but have since then resigned them.
Logo | Name | Ideology | Year founded | Votes in the 2020 parliamentary polls | Leader | Note |
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European Georgia — Movement for Liberty | Classical liberalism Atlanticism |
2017 | 72,986 (3.79%) | Giga Bokeria | Founded by former UNM politicians, considered to be more liberal counterpart of the UNM |
Alliance of Patriots of Georgia | National conservatism Sovereigntism |
2012 | 60,480 (3.14%) | Irma Inashvili | A national-conservative party which is sceptical of Georgia's attempts to join the EU and NATO. The party supports more balanced foreign policy with Russia. It strongly opposes UNM and proposed to ban it on the ground that it ran "criminal regime in Georgia during 2003-2012", namely appealing to documented torture in prisons during the UNM's years. UNM has described APG as "GD's satellite". | |
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Georgian Labour Party | Left-wing populism Atlanticism |
1995 | 19,314 (1.00%) | Shalva Natelashvili | Founded by Shalva Natelashvili, one of the oldest but also minor parties |
Girchi - More Freedom | Right-libertarianism Atlanticism |
2020 | Then a part of Girchi. | Zurab Girchi Japaridze | A right-libertarian party founded by Zura Japaridze after leaving New Political Center - Girchi. | |
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Droa | Social liberalism Atlanticism |
2021 | Then a part of European Georgia. | Elene Khoshtaria | A socially liberal party founded by former UNM minister Elene Khoshtaria. |
Regions for Georgia | Regionalism Liberalism Atlanticism |
2023 | Then a part of European Georgia | Tariel Nakaidze | A party founded by Muslim Georgian MP Tariel Nakaidze, aimed at promoting the political rights of ethnic minorities. | |
Ahali | Social liberalism Atlanticism |
2024 | Then a part of UNM | Nika Gvaramia Nika Melia |
A split from the United National Movement, founded by its former chairman Nika Melia after the latter lost his reelection for the chairmanship of the party, along with Nika Gvaramia. |
Parties with local representation
[edit]The following parties have no nationwide representation but have elected officials at the local level.
Logo | Name | Ideology | Year founded | Seats held in | Leader | Note |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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For the People | Progressivism Pro-Europeanism |
2021 | Tbilisi, Kazbegi | Anna Dolidze | A centre-left party founded by former government official Anna Dolidze, not associated previously with any other party. |
Free Georgia | Conservatism | 2010 | Lentekhi | Kakha Kukava | Founded by former Conservative Party member Kakha Kukava. |
Small parties
[edit]The following parties have no elected official but took part in the 2021 local elections.
Name | Ideology | Year founded | Leader |
---|---|---|---|
Mamuli | Reformism Centrism |
1993 | Teimuraz Bobokhidze |
Nation | Populism Atlanticism Centralism |
1989 | Mirian Mirianashvili |
Alliance of Democrats | Localism | 2021 | Giorgi Buchukuri |
SAKHE + | Pro-Europeanism Civic nationalism |
2020 | Ednar Bagrationi |
Free Choice - New Alternative | Pro-Europeanism Socialism |
2018 | Giorgi Pataridze |
Left-Wing Alliance | Christian democracy Social democracy |
2013 | Ioseb Shatberashvili |
Tribuna | Left-wing populism | 2020 | Davit Chichinadze |
Our United Georgia | Reformism | 2021 | Isaki Giorgadze |
Third Way | Socialism | 2021 | Giorgi Tumanishvili |
European Democrats | Pro-Europeanism Abkhaz conflict resolution Social democracy |
2005 | Paata Davitaia |
Sakartvelo | Reformism Georgian nationalism Euroscepticism Caucasian federalism |
2016 | Giorgi Liluashvili |
Snap Elections - United Georgia - Democratic Movement | Conservatism Euroscepticism |
2008 | Nino Burjanadze |
Future Georgia | Socialism | 2008 | Giorgi Laghidze |
Social Justice | Social democracy | 2020 | Mamuka Tuskadze |
Greens Party | Green conservatism | 1989 | Gia Gachechiladze |
Tamaz Mechiauri for United Georgia | Sovereigntism Localism Right-wing populism |
2016 | Vacant |
Reformers | Conservatism | 2014 | Davit Mirotadze |
Whites | Right-wing populism Sovereigntism Christian democracy |
2012 | Teimuraz Shashiashvili |
New Christian-Democrats | Christian democracy | 2021 | Gogi Tsulaia |
Reformer | Reformism Direct democracy Pro-Europeanism Liberalism |
2020 | Tornike Janashvili |
Tavisupleba - Zviad Gamsakhurdias Gza | Georgian nationalism National conservatism Christian democracy State capitalism |
2004 | Malkhazi Gorgasalidze |
Georgian Troupe | Left-wing nationalism | 2007 | Jondi Baghaturia |
Socialist Workers' Party | Communism | 1999 | Tamaz Japoshvili |
People's Party | Conservatism | 2006 | Alexandre Kobaidze |
Georgian Social-Democratic Party | Social democracy | 1989 | Avtandil Veltauri |
The following parties registered but failed ballot access in the 2021 local elections.
Name | Ideology | Year founded | Leader |
---|---|---|---|
XX Century | Christian communism | 2021 | Grigol Oniani |
Party of Georgian Unity | Georgian nationalism Localism |
1990 | Giorgi Chincharauli |
Free Democrats | Classical liberalism Europeanism |
2009 | Tamar Kekenadze |
Green Earth | Eco-socialism | 2020 | Nugzar Meladze |
For Justice | Judicial independence Pro-Europeanism |
2019 | Eka Beselia |
Georgia's Euro-Atlantic Way | Atlanticism | 2020 | Shorena Gardapkhadze |
The following parties have no elected official but took part in the 2020 parliamentary election.
Name | Ideology | Year founded | Leader | 2020 results |
---|---|---|---|---|
Zviad's Way (For God, Justice, and Country) | Theocratic authoritarianism | 1990 | Vacant | 1,563 (0.08%) |
Social-Democrats for Georgia's Development | Social democracy | 2010 | Gia Zhorzholiani | 4,413 (0.23%) |
New Power | Far-right | 2020 | Lazare Zakariadze | 1,458 (0.08%) |
Georgian Roots | Georgian nationalism Diaspora repatriation |
2020 | Tengiz Okropilashvili | 1,914 (0.1%) |
Political Movement of Veterans of the Armed Forces and Patriots of Georgia | Militarism Atlanticism |
2007 | Gia Berdzenidze | 3,245 (0.17%) |
Change Georgia | Economic populism Liberalism |
2020 | Giorgi Gagnidze | 1,292 (0.07%) |
Conservative Party | National conservatism Monarchism |
2001 | Zviad Dzidziguri | 3,124 (0.16%) |
Patriotic Order - Homeland | Localism Sovereigntism |
2001 | Grigoli Sokhadze | 583 (0.03%) |
Choice for Homeland | Social democracy | 2020 | Lela Guledani | 536 (0.03%) |
National Democratic Movement | State capitalism | 2014 | Davit Shukakidze | 4,850 (0.25%) |
Movement for a Free Georgia | Atlanticism | 2018 | Khatuna Koiava | 739 (0.04%) |
Georgian Choice | Sovereigntism Social democracy |
2020 | Bezhan Gunava | 2,165 (0.11%) |
Our Georgia - Solidarity Alliance | Social democracy Pro-Europeanism |
2020 | Mariam Jashi | 8,335 (0.43%) |
Georgian Idea | Far-right Sovereigntism |
2014 | Levan Chachua | 8,263 (0.43%) |
Georgian March | Far-right Sovereigntism |
2017 | Sandro Bregadze | 4,753 (0.25%) |
Progressive Georgia | Progressivism | 2020 | Irakli Murtskhvaladze | 980 (0.05%) |
Euro-Atlantic Vector | Atlanticism Reformism |
2011 | Sergo Javakhidze | 424 (0.02%) |
Christian-Democratic People's Movement | Christian democracy | 2020 | Ani Rekhviashvili | 334 (0.02%) |
Georgia's Development | State capitalism | 2020 | Ketevan Gogoladze | 1,549 (0.08%) |
Traditionalists | Georgian nationalism Conservatism Monarchism |
1989 | Akaki Asatiani | 479 (0.02%) |
Industry Will Save Georgia | Economic nationalism Protectionism Euroscepticism |
1999 | Gogi Topadze | 1,048 (0.05%) |
The following parties registered but failed ballot access in the 2020 parliamentary election.
Name | Ideology | Year founded | Leader |
---|---|---|---|
Political League of Georgian Highlanders | Centrism State capitalism Isolationism |
1988 | Gela Pitskhelauri |
Party of Georgian National Unity | Center-left Isolationism |
1988 | Giorgi Chincharauli |
Voice of Mother, Voice of Nation | Socialism Conservatism |
2009 | Nina Kvesadze |
New | 2016 | Giorgi Lemonjava | |
National-Christian Party for Georgia | Georgian nationalism Far-right |
1999 | Davit Khomasuridze |
Consolidation Party of Georgian Citizens | 1998 | Erekle Ivelashvili | |
Friendship Union, Independence and Prosperity | 1998 | Shota Mebuke | |
Georgian Conservative Monarchist Party | Conservatism Monarchism Atlanticism |
1989 | Temur Zhorzholiani |
Christian-Conservative Party | Christian democracy Conservatism |
1997 | Shota Malashkhia |
Party of Georgian Unity and Development | Authoritarianism | 2020 | Kamal Muradkhanov |
Union for Protection of the Georgian Pensioners' Right | Socialism | 1997 | Irakli Natsvlishvili |
Unity of Iberians | Georgian nationalism Socialism Pro-Russianism |
2019 | Giorgi Tsiptauri |
Unity of Georgian Nationalists | Georgian nationalism Conservatism |
1991 | Gaioz Mamaladze |
The following parties have not taken part in the last two election cycles but maintain an active organization.
Logo | Name | Ideology | Year founded | Leader |
---|---|---|---|---|
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Greens Party | Green conservatism | 1989 | Giorgi Gachechiladze |
Rustavel's Path | Georgian nationalism Atlanticism |
2023 | Akia Barbakadze | |
Greens | Green Feminism |
2022 | Tamar Jakeli | |
Ilia Chavchavadze Society | Federalism Georgian nationalism |
1987 | Tamar Chkheidze | |
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Unified Communist Party of Georgia | Marxism–Leninism Soviet patriotism |
1994 | Nugzar Avaliani |
Historical parties
[edit]Held national offices
[edit]The following parties held at least one legislative seat since 1990, but have ceased to exist.
Logo | Party | Ideology | Years active | Note |
---|---|---|---|---|
Round Table—Free Georgia | Georgian nationalism Sovereignism Pan-Caucasianism |
1990-1994 | An alliance of Georgian political parties led by Zviad Gamsakhurdia. It played a decisive role in the restoration of independence of Georgia and was a governing coalition in 1990-1992. | |
National Forum | Isolationism Parliamentarism Classical radicalism |
2006-2017 | Radical political party led by Kakha Shartava and in the opposition in 2006–2012. Part of the ruling coalition in 2012–2016. Absorbed by the Development Movement in 2017. | |
New Rights | Liberal conservatism Classical radicalism |
2001-2019 | One of the largest opposition parties, formed in 2001 as the New Conservative Party by uniting the New Faction, New Movement, and Neo-Conservative Union. A member of several opposition blocks, including the 2004 Right Opposition, the 2008 United Opposition, and the 2018 Strength is in Unity. Absorbed by Lelo for Georgia in 2019. | |
Christian-Democratic Movement | Christian democracy Social conservatism |
2008-2018 | Opposition party with seats in the 2008-2012 Parliament. Party has never been disbanded but it has not had any activity since the 2018 presidential election. | |
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Democratic Union for Revival | Regionalism Socialism |
1991-2004 | Originally known as the Adjaran Union for the Rebirth of Georgia, one of the largest opposition parties in the 1990s. Held control of the Adjarian Autonomous Republic and led by Aslan Abashidze. Party disbanded when the latter fled Georgia in 2004. |
For a New Georgia | Social democracy | 2003-2008 | Created during the 2003 parliamentary election to back Eduard Shevardnadze after the collapse of the Citizens' Union. The party ceased to function after the Rose Revolution but kept 19 MPs until 2008. | |
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Union of Citizens of Georgia | Social democracy Conservatism |
1993-2003 | Ruling party from 1993 to 2003. Led by President Eduard Shevardnadze. Abolished in 2003 ahead of the parliamentary election and replaced by For a New Georgia. |
Socialist Party | Socialism | 1995-2003 | Formed as an opposition party and integrated into an alliance with the Democratic Union for Revival during the 1999 parliamentary election. Stopped functioning following the Rose Revolution. | |
Konstantine Gamsakhurdia Society | Socialism Social conservatism |
1992-2003 | Formed as an opposition party and integrated into an alliance with the Democratic Union for Revival during the 1999 parliamentary election. Stopped functioning following the Rose Revolution. | |
Georgian Freedom and Unity Movement | Conservatism | 1992-2003 | Formed as an opposition party and integrated into an alliance with the Democratic Union for Revival during the 1999 parliamentary election. Stopped functioning following the Rose Revolution. | |
Union of Reformers and Agrarians | Center-right Pro-Europeanism Federalism |
1992-1999 | Part of the National Accord electoral bloc in 1995 and won one seat in Parliament. It ceased its activities after failing to win reelection in 1999. | |
Union of Sportsmen of Georgia | Centrism | 1994-2008 | Part of the National Accord electoral bloc in 1995 and won one seat in Parliament. Failed to win reelection in 1999 and ceased its activities after a poor showing in the 2008 parliamentary election. Founded by infamous thief-in-law Otari Kvantrishvili. | |
Support | Center-right | 1994-1999 | Led by State Minister Otar Patsatsia as a party officially supporting Eduard Shevardnadze, though backing more center-right politics than the Citizens' Union. | |
Democratic Union of Georgia | Center-left | 1991-1998 | Founded by several former Soviet dissidents, including Avtandil Margiani and Zurab Tsereteli. Part of the ruling coalition in 1992 and won three seats in the 1995 parliamentary election. Ceased its activities following the 1999 parliamentary election. | |
Lemi | Regionalism | 1995-1999 | Regional party based in Svaneti and chaired by MP Tengiz Gazdeliani, who also served in the ruling coalition since 1992. Gazdeliani was its only elected leader and the party disbanded in 1999. | |
Bourgeois-Democratic Party | Center-right | 1992-1996 | Founded ahead of the 1992 parliamentary election as the political branch of the civil society organization League of Economic and Social Progress of Georgia and joined the Peace Bloc that endorsed the candidacy of Eduard Shevardnadze, winning two seats in Parliament. | |
People's Front | Center-right Atlanticism Protectionism |
1989-1999 | Formed as one of the largest anti-Soviet organizations by Nodar Natadze. Opposed to the presidencies of Zviad Gamsakhurdia and Eduard Shevardnadze. Won 16 seats in the 1992 parliamentary election as part of the "11 October Bloc". Disappeared following the 1999 election. | |
Christian-Democratic Union | Center-right Atlanticism |
1989-1999 | Opposed to the presidency of Zviad Gamsakhurdia. Won 3 seats in the 1992 parliamentary election as part of the opposition "11 October Bloc" but eventually endorsed Eduard Shevardnadze in 1995. Disappeared following the 1999 election. | |
Union of Social Justice | Socialism Neutrality |
1990-1999 | Won 2 seats in the 1992 parliamentary election. Disappeared following the 1999 election. | |
Liberal-Democratic National Party | Classical liberalism Atlanticism |
1990-1997 | Won 14 seats in the 1992 parliamentary election as part of the Unity Bloc, the only party to win seats from that coalition. Originally in opposition to President Eduard Shevardnadze, it endorsed him in the 1995 presidential election and disappeared shortly thereafter. | |
Democratic Party | Classical liberalism Pro-Europeanism |
1991-1998 | Won 10 seats in the 1992 parliamentary election and only one in the 1995 elections. Absorbed by the Socialist Party in 1998. | |
Charter-91 | Georgian nationalism | 1991-2019 | Formed as one of the leading members of the Round Table ruling coalition that backed Zviad Gamsakhurdia and continued activities as an opposition party during the presidency of Eduard Shevardnadze. Won 9 seats in 1992, but failed to win reelection in 1995. The party then became mostly inactive, until its absorption by the Republican Party in 2019. | |
Merab Kostava Society | Right-wing Atlanticism |
1990-1999 | One of Georgia's earlier political parties, originally part of the Round Table - Free Georgia coalition that backed the presidency of Zviad Gamsakhurdia and joined the opposition to President Eduard Shevardnadze. Won 7 seats in the 1992 elections and one seat in 1995. After failing to win any position in 1999, the party ceased all activities. | |
National Independence Party | Georgian nationalism Anti-communism |
1988-2006 | One of Georgia's earlier political parties, founded by dissident Irakli Tsereteli and regularly associated with right-wing, monarchist, and conservative parties. While it won seats in the 1990 and 1992 parliamentary elections, its activities were largely discontinued after 1995. Its leader, Irakli Tsereteli, was arrested in 2006 for supporting guerrilla partisans in the Kodori Valley. | |
Union of Farmers of All Georgia | Social democracy Neutrality Monarchism |
1987-1999 | Won two seats in the 1992 parliamentary election. Ceased all activities after 1999. | |
Helsinki Union of Georgia | Georgian nationalism Anti-communism State capitalism Pan-Caucasianism |
1976-1993 | Oldest political party in post-Soviet Georgia, created as a group of anti-Soviet dissidents by Zviad Gamsakhurdia. Part of the Round Table - Free Georgia electoral alliance that led Georgia to independence in 1991. Lost power as a result of the 1991-1992 coup, after which the party has formally boycotted all electoral activities. |
Small, defunct parties
[edit]The defunct following parties have not held nationwide offices but received considerable media coverage.
Logo | Name | Ideology | Years active | Leader |
---|---|---|---|---|
The Way of Georgia | Social democracy Social liberalism |
2006-2019 | Salome Zurabishvili | |
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Development Movement | Pro-Europeanism Centrism |
2017-2019 | Davit Usupashvili |
Party of the Future | Classical liberalism | 2008-2012 | Giorgi Maisashvili | |
Party of Hope | Sovereigntism | 2006 | Igor Giorgadze Irina Sarishvili |
Democratic Republic of Georgia
[edit]The following parties were active during the 1918-1921 Democratic Republic of Georgia.
Name | Ideology | Seats in the Constituent Assembly | Results in the 1919 election |
---|---|---|---|
Social Democratic Labour Party of Georgia | Democratic socialism Left-wing nationalism Menshevism |
109 / 130 |
409,766 (80.96%) |
Georgian Socialist-Federalist Revolutionary Party | Federalism Georgian nationalism Democratic socialism |
8 / 130 |
33,721 (6.66%) |
National Democratic Party | Classical liberalism Georgian nationalism |
8 / 130 |
30,754 (6.08%) |
Socialist-Revolutionary Party of Georgia | Agrarian socialism | 5 / 130 |
21,453 (4.24%) |
Radical-Democratic Party of Georgia | Right-wing | 0 / 130 |
3,107 (0.61%) |
Armenian Party in Georgia–Dashnaktsitiuni | Armenian nationalism | 4 / 130 |
2,353 (0.46%) |
Left Socialist-Federalist Party | Socialism | 0 / 130 |
1,616 (0.32%) |
Georgian National Landowners Party | Right-wing | 4 / 130 |
1,532 (0.30%) |
Russian Social Democratic Labour Party | Democratic socialism Menshevism |
0 / 130 |
779 (0.15%) |
Group of Muslims from Borchalo District | Localism Islamic democracy |
0 / 130 |
77 (0.02%) |
National Council of Muslims | Islamic democracy Federalism |
0 / 130 |
60 (0.01%) |
Aesthetic League of Patriots | Intelligentsia Social democracy |
0 / 130 |
53 (0.01%) |
Shota Rustaveli Group | 0 / 130 |
51 (0.01%) | |
Democratic Group of Georgian Hellenes | Federalism | 0 / 130 |
14 (0.00%) |
Banned or deregistered parties
[edit]The following parties are currently banned or deregistered.
- Communist Party of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Georgia - banned in 1991.
- Centrists Party - in 2016.[1]
- Conservative Movement - in 2024.[2]
- Georgian Idea - in 2024.[3]
Political camps based on foreign policy orientation
[edit]Civilizational and geostrategic orientations play a significant role in Georgian politics. They often determine political groupings and are more important than economic or socio-political agendas for the parties. Main civilizational and geostrategic debate in Georgia revolves around siding with the West or Russia. Based on their foreign policy orientations, Georgian political parties can be divided into several camps:
- This group of parties supports Euro-Atlanticism and opposes any rapprochement towards Russia. They claim that the West is "civilizational choice" of Georgian people and that Georgia should join the EU and NATO. They view Russia as the biggest, imperialistic threat to Georgia and argue that the only way for Georgia to survive is to join EU and NATO, in other case, they claim that Georgia will be annexed by Russia. They consider that no negotiation with Russia is possible as Russia is imperialistic and its only goal is to subjugate former Soviet Union. Therefore, because of this, they argue that any political position which does not supports uncompromising pro-Western and anti-Russian policy, benefits Russia and is therefore pro-Russian. This group of parties considers all their opponents on foreign policy matters to be pro-Russian, whether they actually support Russia or not.[4]
This group includes following parties: United National Movement, For Georgia, Progress and Freedom, Strategy Aghmashenebeli, Lelo for Georgia, European Georgia, Girchi — More Freedom, Droa, Law and Justice, Republican Party, Citizens, State for the People, National Democratic Party, For the People, Victorious Georgia
- This group of parties also shares the view that Russia is the greatest threat to Georgia and considers joining EU and NATO as foreign policy priorities. They also claim that the alignment with the West is civilizational choice of Georgian people. However, they argue that the reality of Russia being the large and powerful neighbor of Georgia can not be ignored and Georgia's foreign policy should be shaped based on this reality. Georgia, as other small states, must play sophisticated games with its large and powerful neighbor in order to survive in such environment. They often appeal to national interests, claiming that maintaining some ties with Russia, such as economic relations, is beneficial to Georgia because of Russia's proximity and economic resources. Therefore, domestic and foreign policies of Georgia in these areas should be shaped by interests rather than ideological notions. They say that Georgia's policy towards Russia should be pragmatic, flexible and cautious. They usually condemn Russia politically, but have relatively soft rhetoric compared to first group of parties - they claim that too radical and uncompromising policy towards Russia can lead to confrontation with Russia, which will have dire consequences for Georgia. These parties oppose imposing visa regime for Russian citizens, ban on Russian tourists visiting Georgia, banning capital flow from Russia etc. - claiming that such actions don't reflect Georgian interests and will harm Georgian economy and Georgian citizens. These parties fully support Georgia's membership into EU and NATO, but maybe sometimes critical of these organizations when they feel that certain policies contradict Georgia's interests.
This group includes following parties: Georgian Dream, People's Power, Girchi, European Socialists, Social Democrats for the Development of Georgia, Greens Party, Democratic Movement – United Georgia,
- This group of parties, on the other hand, although does not necessarily opposes Georgia's membership in the EU, argues that Georgia should reorient its foreign policy towards building friendly relations with Russia. They claim that the only way Georgia can restore its sovereignty over Abkhazia and South Ossetia is to normalize its relations with Russia. They oppose Georgia's proposed membership in the NATO, saying that it provokes Russia to engage into hostilities with Georgia. This group thinks that successful negotiation with Russia is possible, and often blames the Saakashvili administration for pursuing pro-NATO foreign policy which led to the strained relations with Moscow. They claim that Georgia should be "neutral country", which they think reflects Georgian interests better than pro-NATO foreign orientation. Although this group does not vehemently opposes Georgia’s membership in the EU, they do not view it possible in the foreseeable future and oppose certain (mosly liberal) EU policies, which they claim are incompatible with Georgian culture and traditions.
This group includes following parties: Alliance of Patriots, Georgian Troupe, Christian-Democrats, Left-wing alliance, Georgian March, Political Movement of Veterans and Patriots, Industry Will Save Georgia
- This group of parties supports full alignment with Russia and views the West as a primary threat to the country. They support joining Eurasian Economic Union and Collective Security Treaty Organization and claim that allying with Christian Russia is a civilization choice of Georgian people. They support Russian military presence in Georgia and view the West, which they equate with the liberal ideology, which is anti-Christian, pro-LGBT, pro-immigration and cosmopolitan, as the greatest threat to Georgian culture and national identity. They also are skeptical towards Western involvement in Georgia, claiming that the West uses Georgia only for its own purposes to "encircle" Russia and weaken it by provoking its neighbors to wage war with it.
This group includes following parties: Conservative Movement/Alt-Info, Georgian Idea, Unity of Iberians
See also
[edit]- List of political parties in Abkhazia
- List of political parties in South Ossetia
- Lists of political parties
References
[edit]- ^ "Party Stripped Of Registration For Georgian Parliamentary Elections Amid 'Pro-Russia' Outcry". Radio Freedom. 18 August 2016. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
- ^ "Georgia's Public Registry revokes registration of controversial Conservative Movement". Front News Georgia. 8 April 2024. Retrieved 11 April 2024.
- ^ "Georgia's Alt Info to run in elections with Alliance of Patriots". OC Media. 11 June 2024.
- ^ Silagadze, Givi (2021). Eurosceptic, therefore, Pro-Russian?. Tbilisi, Georgia: Georgian Institute of Politics. Retrieved 15 September 2012.