Georgians Don't Support Protesters Says Many Georgians

Reporting from Tbilisi Amid Protests: Diverse Local Perspectives

I’m Patrick Lancaster, reporting from the center of Tbilisi, Georgia, just a couple of kilometers from the parliament building, where protests and unrest have been ongoing for the past ten days. In this report, I step away from the main protest site to speak with locals who are not directly involved in the demonstrations, aiming to capture a broader range of opinions on the political situation and daily life in Georgia.

Conversations with Residents

During my time in the city, I spoke with locals from various backgrounds to understand their perspectives on the protests, the government, and Georgia’s future. Here’s what I found:

1. Views on the Protests:

   • Many of the people I interviewed were critical of the protests, describing them as disruptive and unrepresentative of the majority of Georgians. Several estimated that only 1-10% of the population supports the protests.

   • Residents emphasized the importance of peaceful demonstrations, expressing concern about reports of aggression and clashes with law enforcement.

2. Support for the Government:

   • A significant number of people voiced support for the Georgian Dream party and Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili. They dismissed allegations of election fraud and argued that the elections were fair.

   • The residents highlighted a desire for peace and stability, suggesting that the protesters’ actions were counterproductive to these goals.

3. Europe, Russia, and National Identity:

   • While many interviewees expressed support for stronger ties with Europe, they stressed the importance of preserving Georgia’s traditions and independence.

   • Opinions about Russia varied. Some condemned Russia, while others emphasized the need for peaceful relations with all neighboring countries.

4. Generational Divide:

   • A clear generational divide emerged during my conversations. Older and middle-aged residents tended to prioritize stability and tradition, whereas younger protesters appeared more focused on European integration and systemic reforms.

5. Speculation on Foreign Influence:

   • Several residents raised concerns about potential foreign involvement in the protests, questioning the role of NGOs and external actors in Georgia’s domestic politics.

Challenges in Gathering Perspectives

Engaging with younger people proved challenging, as many declined to speak on camera. However, I remained committed to sharing the views of everyone who agreed to be interviewed, ensuring that this report reflects a wide spectrum of perspectives from the ground.

Observations and Reflections

The opinions I encountered in these interviews differ markedly from the narratives presented by the protesters. While the mainstream media often highlights the protesters’ demands, many locals I spoke with seemed skeptical of their motives and actions. This disconnect raises questions about the representation of public sentiment in Tbilisi.

Closing Remarks

As always, I aim to provide unfiltered, on-the-ground reporting to help viewers form their own educated opinions. I encourage you to continue following my work, share your thoughts in the comments, and support independent journalism. You can subscribe to my Substack for additional content and updates.

Stay tuned for more reports as I continue to explore the evolving situation in Georgia. Thank you for watching!