In the village of Chorvila in northwestern Georgia, Bidzina Ivanishvili is celebrated as a local hero. Many residents view him as the true power behind the country's leadership. The village is picturesque, with well-kept roads and homes, and is adorned with the blue and yellow flags of the ruling Georgian Dream party.
Resident Mamia Machavariani credits Ivanishvili for the village's development, noting that before his contributions, there was little infrastructure. Ivanishvili, who founded the Georgian Dream party, has seen it remain in power for over a decade. However, for the past several months, protests have erupted across Georgia, accusing the party of election fraud and attempting to steer the country away from the European Union and towards Russia. The party denies these claims, and in Chorvila, Ivanishvili is still held in high regard.
Ivanishvili amassed his wealth in Russia during the 1990s, initially through computer sales before expanding into banking and metals. He returned to Georgia in 2003. In Chorvila, newlyweds receive a $3,000 gift from him, and the local school, where Ivanishvili once studied, boasts facilities uncommon in rural areas, such as a swimming pool and indoor basketball court. History teacher Temuri Kapanadze praises Ivanishvili for his contributions, including rebuilding the hospital, constructing churches, and improving infrastructure.
Some locals believe the opposition is behind the pro-EU protests, accusing them of manipulating the youth. Resident Giorgi Burjenidze expresses a desire for European integration that respects Georgian traditions, aligning his views with those of former U.S. President Trump. The belief that Europe is imposing foreign values, like LGBTQ rights, is echoed by government officials and media.
Protests have intensified following the Georgian Dream's decision to halt EU membership talks, with slogans like "Fire to the oligarchy" targeting Ivanishvili's influence. Protester Tamara Arveladze criticizes Ivanishvili for treating the country as his personal domain. She recounts a tense encounter with police during a protest, which led to her boyfriend losing his driving license and facing potential jail time, while she incurred a hefty fine.
The opposition has boycotted parliament since the contested elections, leaving Georgian Dream to pass laws unchallenged. Human rights advocate Tamar Oniani highlights the government's use of surveillance and heavy fines against protesters. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has mocked the demonstrators, while the judiciary is accused of being complicit in suppressing dissent.
Since the protests began, many civil servants have been dismissed for opposing the government's EU stance. Nini Lezhava, a former senior official, describes a purge of independent thinkers from government roles, suggesting a broader geopolitical shift towards creating a Russian-aligned state.
In contrast, Chorvila's Temuri Kapanadze views the government's relations with Russia pragmatically, suggesting that past adversaries can become allies.