Who’s Really Fighting for Democracy in Georgia? What Germany Needs to Know Now

The current coalition agreement of the new black-red German government under Friedrich Merz is clear: Germany commits itself to protecting and strengthening democratic forces worldwide. This applies not only to major geopolitical conflicts but explicitly to countries like Georgia, whose EU accession process is conditional on “eliminating any doubt about the preservation of democratic processes.” Sounds promising—but who exactly are these democratic forces? And how can German organizations ensure they’re supporting the right actors?

Identifying Democratic Forces: Between Appearance and Reality

In recent years, the Georgian government has made every effort to weaken democratic structures. With the new “FARA” law (Foreign Agents Registration Act) passed in April 2024, NGOs receiving funding from abroad must register as “foreign agents.” This publicly stigmatizes them and severely hinders their work.

Yet, some organizations refuse to be intimidated—and it’s precisely these that German support programs should focus on.

These NGOs Are Fighting on the Front Lines

A prominent example is the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA). They provide free legal assistance to injured protesters and those wrongfully arrested. Their lawyers are often the last hope for people who have been mistreated by the police or dragged into court.

Transparency International Georgia is another key player. The organization continues to uncover corruption scandals and doesn’t shy away from exposing the machinations of those in power—despite increasing threats.

Finally, the Social Justice Center (EMC) fights for social justice, the protection of marginalized groups, and the enforcement of fundamental human rights. Precisely because the Georgian government is trying to push these issues out of the public discourse, EMC’s work and voice are more crucial than ever.

These organizations represent a courageous civil society that continues to work under extreme pressure without giving up.

Universities: No Longer Places of Free Thought

While NGOs and activists bravely fight repression, Georgia’s public universities have largely lost their role as independent educational institutions. Tbilisi State University (TSU), once a beacon of academic freedom, is now firmly under government control. Critical research projects are deliberately blocked, dissenting professors dismissed, and academic debates on political topics occur—if at all—only behind closed doors.

Particularly alarming was the university administration’s decision in November 2024 to allow the police to intervene against peaceful demonstrators directly on campus. Videos documenting the police’s brutal actions sparked outrage among students and faculty. Renowned sociologist Iago Kachkachishvili publicly demanded an explanation from the rector and warned that using the university as a tool of state repression would destroy its academic integrity.

As early as April 2024, the university administration had already blocked a planned discussion on the controversial “FARA” law—a law requiring NGOs to register as “foreign agents.” Students reported increasing pressure and targeted repression whenever they voiced criticism of the government.

These developments make one thing clear: TSU—and other state universities—are no longer neutral educational institutions. They are increasingly used as instruments to reinforce government narratives and suppress critical debate.

For international partners, especially from Germany, caution is warranted. Anyone seeking to cooperate with Georgian universities must carefully assess whether academic freedom truly exists there—or whether it’s merely a façade concealing government control. In a country where even a university campus becomes a site for police intervention, the term “independent research” is nothing more than an empty phrase.

Why Germany Must Act Now

The coalition agreement is a promise—but a promise without action is meaningless. Those seeking to strengthen democracy in Georgia cannot rely on shiny labels or glossy brochures. German organizations must deliberately support the actors who continue to fight for democratic principles—despite repression, defamation, and violence.

This is not about helping “someday” or “when the political climate allows.” The time to act is now. Because the decision on whether Georgia continues on its path toward Europe—or slides into authoritarianism—won’t be made in some distant future. That decision is being made today.