"Members of the Resistance Platform Confer with the EU Ambassador and Diplomats in Georgia"
Cracking the Political Scene with the "Resistance Platform"
Georgia's political landscape just got a shake-up with the formation of the "Resistance Platform," led by the country's fifth president, Salome Zurabishvili. This coalition of opposition forces is ready to claim the stage, stepping up to counter the Georgian Dream (GD) government's controversial policies and recent legislative moves, often viewed as authoritarian[1][3].
Recent activities by the Resistance Platform have been focused on documenting state repression and leveraging international alliances to pressure the government. They consider the GD's raids on activists and civil organizations (even hitting pregnant women and others connected to civil foundations) as part of a "repressive modus operandi"[2][3]. The platform's goal is to hold decision-makers accountable by collecting evidence of alleged human rights abuses and advocating for international sanctions against GD figures involved in these actions[2][3].
Zurabishvili recently introduced the Resistance Platform to the EU Ambassador and diplomatic corps in Georgia. Describing the meeting as the first in this format, she highlighted the platform's openness to newly established parties willing to adhere to its principles and its coordination with various societal segments, including business, culture, NGOs, and protest groups[1]. The goal is to develop political positions collaboratively and prepare for a coalition government[1].
She emphasized the importance of being prepared not just for the elections, but also for the subsequent formation of a coalition government, owing to Georgia's limited experience in this area[1]. She noted that forming coalition governments is challenging, and early preparation reflects the seriousness with which they approach the future[1].
Zurabishvili pointed out signs of instability within the ruling party, expressing hope that the turmoil might lead to new parliamentary elections[1]. The discussion also touched upon the EU's policy towards Georgia, with Zurabishvili acknowledging differing positions among EU member states but emphasizing their attentive observation of current developments in Georgia.
The Resistance Platform has been dealing with challenges within its ranks as well. The United National Movement (UNM), key members of the coalition, left the group in April 2025 after disputes over strategy, such as Zurabishvili's refusal to pardon former President Mikheil Saakashvili[5]. In an effort to address these disputes, Zurabishvili announced a commission open to "all resistance forces" to coordinate activities, laying the groundwork for broader coalition-building ahead of elections[4]. However, disagreements over OSCE engagement and testimony protocols in local elections caused further divisions[5].
In order to form a viable coalition government, the Resistance Platform needs to resolve its internal disputes and present a united front. The current strategy focuses on mobilizing international pressure through EU and diplomatic channels[1], while domestic coordination remains fragile due to diverging priorities among member groups[4][5].
[1] https://www.civil.ge/archives/327404[2] https://www.civil.ge/archives/326374[3] https://www.civil.ge/archives/325063[4] https://www.civil.ge/archives/325232[5] https://www.civil.ge/archives/326758
- Salome Zurabishvili, the leader of Georgia's "Resistance Platform," has been reaching out to EU Ambassadors in Georgia, aiming to build international alliances as part of their resistance against the Georgian Dream (GD) government's controversial policies.
- The internal unity of the "Resistance Platform" has been tested, as the United National Movement (UNM), key members of the coalition, left in April 2025 due to disagreements over strategy, such as Zurabishvili's refusal to pardon former President Mikheil Saakashvili.
- The success of the "Resistance Platform" in forming a coalition government relies on its ability to resolve internal disputes and present a united front, not just for the upcoming elections, but also for the subsequent governing period.
- Despite facing challenges within its ranks, the "Resistance Platform" continues to focus on mobilizing international pressure through EU and diplomatic channels, while simultaneously overcoming domestic coordination issues due to diverging priorities among member groups.
