IJAB: Please introduce yourself.
Mariam Kakhidze: My name is Mariam. I am 23 years old and consider myself an active citizen. For the past five years, I have worked in the non-formal education sector and have completed many projects, seminars, study courses, and workshops. I try to take part in as many educational activities as possible so I can develop myself.
IJAB: Why are you demonstrating on the streets? And what motivated you personally to take part in the protests?
Mariam Kakhidze: I believe that our country's politics are not pro-European and this will affect our future. I am protesting in the hope that the government will eventually change its approach. The economic situation in my country, the fact that we have political prisoners, and the lack of proper political decision-making are what motivate me to join the protests.
IJAB: What are the main demands of the young demonstrators?
Mariam Kakhidze: We want fresh elections and the release of prisoners who were arrested solely for their political views and for actively participating in the protests.
IJAB: How is the government reacting to the protests? Are there attempts to suppress the movement?
Mariam Kakhidze: The government is ignoring the protests and trying to make it seem like everything is fine. But people continue to gather on Rustaveli Avenue every day. Georgian Dream [a conservative populist party – ed.] is issuing heavy fines to protesters, often accusing young individuals without any evidence of blocking the roads. The fine is 5,000 lari, which is difficult for a student to afford.
IJAB: How much support is there among the population for the pro-European movement?
Mariam Kakhidze: The actions of our government, which I consider to be pro-Russian, have spawned a broad movement. I recently noticed that young people are talking more about politics. The majority of the population supports European integration, and I hope that this support will continue to grow.
IJAB: Are there young people in Georgia who are still skeptical about moving closer to Europe? If so, why might that be?
Mariam Kakhidze: There are people who remain skeptical, but I believe this is due to the propaganda spread through pro-government TV channels that actively support the actions of the Georgian Dream party. The government also uses trolls and bots via social media to manipulate public perception, and some people believe this disinformation.
IJAB: What are your hopes and expectations for Georgia in the coming years?
Mariam Kakhidze: I hope that the current government will change, and that young Georgians will have more opportunities to connect with European countries. I also hope that we will no longer have to suffer under the oligarchic system that currently exists in Georgia.
IJAB: Thank you.
