For centuries, Georgia has stood as a resilient nation at the crossroads of empires, rich in culture and natural beauty. Yet, for many young Georgians, it feels less like a land of opportunity and more like one of broken dreams. Raised on stories of Georgia’s fight for freedom and its aspirations for a European future, we face systemic corruption, political repression, economic stagnation, and uncertain prospects. Harsh realities crush dreams of careers, stability, and voices.
This disillusionment stems from the destructive policies of the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party, which has steered the country into political deadlock and societal discontent.
The GD government’s actions undermine democratic institutions, including enabling rigged elections, fostering corruption, and using state mechanisms to suppress dissent. Georgia faces relentless pressure from Russia’s hybrid warfare — a strategy aimed at destabilising the nation through disinformation campaigns, cyberattacks, and manipulation of local actors. This hostile environment intensifies existing divisions, further eroding trust in government and institutions.
As the self-proclaimed government halts Georgia’s forward momentum, the nation risks losing its most vital asset: Georgian youth and their vision for a better future.
Foreign Agents Law and Repressions
Under the GD government, political repression has intensified, exemplified by the proposed Foreign Agents Law of 2023. This legislation sought to designate any individual or organisation receiving over 20% of their funding from abroad as a “foreign agent,” a move widely perceived as an attempt to suppress dissent and limit civil society’s influence.
In response, youth-led protests erupted, with tens of thousands marching through Tbilisi to denounce the law. The government’s reaction was swift and forceful: police deployed tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds, resulting in numerous injuries and arrests among protesters and media representatives.
Although the youth and NGOs forced the government to withdraw the bill in 2023, it was reintroduced in spring 2024. The revised version retained the core provisions but replaced the term “foreign agent” with “organisation carrying out the interests of a foreign power.” The rhetoric surrounding the law, amplified by pro-government media, labelled youth activists and NGOs as “traitors” and “foreign agents.” This created a toxic environment, leaving many young Georgians worried and fearful about their future in their country.
The reintroduction of the Foreign Agents Law, now titled “On Transparency of Foreign Influence,” in 2024, highlights the regime’s persistent authoritarian tendencies. This development has further fuelled concerns about Georgia’s democratic backsliding and a shift toward Russian influence.
In September 2024, a controversial law on “Family Values and the Protection of Minors” was introduced, imposing strict restrictions on LGBTQ+ rights. Promoted by the GD government and the Georgian Orthodox Church, it bans pride events and LGBTQ flags, enforces censorship, and establishes “Family Purity Day” on May 17. These measures marginalise LGBTQ+ individuals, deepen social polarisation, and drive liberal-minded youth toward emigration. The EU has flagged such actions as signs of Georgia’s democratic and societal regression.
Rigged Elections, Rigged EU Perspective
The rigged 2024 parliamentary elections and the halting of the EU accession process were a clear demonstration of this. The anger that drove Georgian people to take to the streets in Tbilisi and other parts of the country was met with harsh police crackdowns.
For me, the EU represents more than economic opportunity or geopolitical alignment. It symbolises the values of democracy, human rights, and a commitment to a rules-based international order. For many Georgians, including myself, EU integration signifies hope for a more just and prosperous future, one where governance is transparent, institutions are strong, and individual freedoms are respected and protected. The halting of this process not only undermines these aspirations but also deepens the sense of disappointment and frustration among those striving for a European path.
In response, the United States has sanctioned Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder and honorary chairman of the GD party, citing his role in “undermining the democratic and Euro-Atlantic future of Georgia for the benefit of the Russian Federation.” Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Ukraine had previously sanctioned Ivanishvili, alongside other Georgian officials.
Systemic Challenges and Economic Despair
Despite recent GDP growth fuelled by construction, financial and insurance activities, information, and communication, Georgia’s economy remains constrained by systemic challenges. This growth has failed to drive meaningful economic improvements, with job creation stagnant and youth unemployment persistently high. The private sector is hindered by a politicised legal system that deters investment and creates barriers to entrepreneurial activity, while startups receive minimal government support, curbing innovation and diversification.
Furthermore, the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) with the EU has fallen short of expectations, as most Georgian companies struggle with the complexity and costs of EU export processes. This missed opportunity to access EU markets exacerbates economic stagnation, deepening public disillusionment with the country’s prospects and European aspirations.
Unemployment stands as one of the most significant drivers of disillusionment in Georgia, with youth unemployment at 13.7 %, according to the World Bank. For many young people, the transition from education to employment is hindered by challenges such as limited job opportunities, a mismatch between education and labour market demands, a lack of vocational training programmes, and a politicised economic environment that stifles private sector growth. These obstacles leave many young Georgians struggling to secure stable and meaningful employment, contributing frustration and emigration.
In rural areas, the situation is even more critical. Limited access to quality education and job opportunities, combined with inadequate public services and infrastructure, leaves many young people trapped in a cycle of poverty and despair.
Emigration: Broken Dreams in Motion
The combined impact of economic stagnation, political repression, and delays in the EU accession process has fuelled a significant wave of emigration among Georgia’s youth.
This systemic failure has led to an increasing departure of young Georgians seeking better opportunities abroad. According to the National Statistics Office of Georgia (Geostat), emigration from Georgia nearly doubled in 2023, with 245 064 people leaving — a 95.6% increase from the previous year. Of these, 62.2% were of working age (15-64), suggesting that young people likely comprise a significant share of this migration.
Recent studies from the National Democratic Institute (NDI), Caucasus Research Resource Center (CRRC), and Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Youth, paint a concerning picture of emigration intentions among Georgian youth. Around one-fifth of Georgians, particularly young adults, are considering leaving the country. The driving forces behind these emigration intentions stem from several interconnected challenges like limited economic opportunities, especially high unemployment, rising cost of living, and perceived inadequacies in the educational system. Most Georgians personally know someone who has emigrated within the past year, indicating this is not just an abstract concern but a reality affecting communities across the country.
This trend poses a grave challenge for Georgia, as the loss of its talented and ambitious youth undermines the nation’s long-term development and threatens its economic and social stability. While remittances from the diaspora provide temporary financial relief, the erosion of human capital threatens to stunt progress for generations to come. For many, emigration is not a choice but a necessity, driven by a harsh reality where dreams of a better future seem out of reach.
A Generation at a Crossroads
Despite these obstacles, we, the youth of Georgia, remain resilient and determined to shape a brighter future. My generation has taken a leading role in protests against repressive policies, such as the Foreign Agents Law, and current demonstrations in support of Georgia’s European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations. In addition, we are driving innovation through start-ups in technology, enriching culture through the arts, and leading civic initiatives. This unwavering commitment reflects our dedication to building a more democratic and prosperous Georgia.
Georgia’s youth are its greatest resource: innovators, leaders, and dreamers working toward a country that fulfils its potential, and fighters on the frontlines of the battle between democracy and authoritarianism. The nation’s future depends on whether it can rise to meet these aspirations or succumb to a path of unfulfilled dreams.
However, with each departure, the country loses not only individual potential but also collective hope. The emigration of young talent underscores a critical question for Georgia’s future: Will the government invest in reforms and opportunities to retain its youth, or will it allow systemic corruption, political repression, and external pressures to turn it into a land of missed opportunities?
To reverse this trend, bold reforms are essential: prioritising education, fostering systemic economic growth, protecting democratic freedoms, and renewing a genuine commitment to EU and NATO aspirations. However, under the actions of the illegitimate regime, which serves as a puppet of Russian interests, these reforms remain beyond reach. Russia’s influence is deeply embedded in the current political system, enabling rigged elections that suppress the will of the people and erode trust in democratic institutions. By manipulating electoral processes and undermining Georgia’s aspirations for integration with the west, Moscow seeks to keep the country in its firm grip. This is why we urgently need new democratic elections and the unwavering support of the democratic world. We, the young Georgians need our future back.