The party’s policies—such as the controversial 'foreign agents' legislation and its rejection of sanctions against Russia—have led to tensions with Western allies like the European Union (EU).
President Salome Zourabichvili, a vocal supporter of the EU, is backed by a coalition of various pro-Western opposition parties united to challenge the ruling power. The president, who has spoken out against Georgian Dream in the past, sees the elections as crucial to bringing the country closer to European integration.
Pro-EU movements have gained momentum recently, with demonstrations and rallies drawing tens of thousands of Georgians to support the European course. However, recent opinion polls show it is far from certain that the pro-EU supporters will win.
The political struggle is not only about external orientation but also concerns problematic domestic issues such as territorial integrity and economic problems. Georgians are still grappling with the 2008 military conflict with Russia and the Russian occupation of the breakaway regions Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
Georgian Dream indirectly argues that it can protect the country from new military escalations with Russia and provide stability, while opponents say this approach leads to further isolation and increasing dependence on Moscow.
The elections in Georgia show many similarities with recent political developments in Moldova, where the pro-EU side narrowly won a recent election. However, the pro-European coalition there faces pressure from Russia.
All in all, the elections in Georgia form an important crossroads, where the outcome could strongly influence regional dynamics and relations with Russia and the EU. Many Georgians view these elections as a choice for the future, centered on the question: do they maintain caution in their relationship with Russia or decisively choose a European future?