On October 3, 2024, the Georgian Institute of Politics (GIP), in cooperation with the Institut für Europäische Politik (IEP) e.V. in Berlin, organized the second session of the GEO4EU policy dialogue titled “Local Agendas for the Upcoming Elections: Party Responses.”
As the parliamentary elections in Georgia on 26 October 2024 approach, the focus of the political debate has been on the country’s foreign policy orientation and its future EU integration. However, amidst the geopolitical challenges, it is crucial to also consider the expectations of the voters and urge political parties to develop local agendas that address the needs of the potential constituents. The EU integration process, although geopolitical in nature, also emphasizes local reforms and development, necessitating a clear vision for a reform-based political agenda.
The second Policy Dialogue in the GEO4EU project in Tbilisi aimed to address a gap in political debate. It built upon insights from the first policy dialogue in Kutaisi, which gathered voter perspectives on local agendas for the upcoming elections. The dialogue involved political representatives and focused on pre-election policy discussions, coalition building, and the political parties’ responses to local agendas identified by the electorate. The event also discussed the issue of disinformation and its impact on the electoral process and democratic discourse.
The discussion was focused on the following questions:
- How do the policy priorities of political parties align with the local agendas identified by the electorate?
- What specific policies or initiatives do political parties plan to implement to address the local concerns and needs of their constituents?
- How can political parties work together to foster a more collaborative governance approach that prioritizes local development?
- How do political parties plan to combat disinformation and ensure that voters have access to accurate and reliable information during the election period?
The discussion brought together political representatives from different parties, local activists, embassy officials, members of civil society, journalists, entrepreneurs, and interested citizens. It provided an interactive and dynamic exchange of ideas, serving as an important platform for political parties to address local concerns and connect with the electorate before the upcoming elections.
Professor Davit Aprasidze, from Ilia State University, moderated the policy dialogue. The agenda included a panel of distinguished representatives from various coalitions: Gia Japaridze (Unity – National Movement), Saba Buadze (Strong Georgia), Giorgi Butikashvili (Coalition for Change), and Dimitri Tskitishvili (For Georgia). Nino Samkharadze, a Policy Analyst at the Georgian Institute of Politics (GIP), presented the Policy Memo titled “All Politics is Local.” Additionally, Tamuna Nikoleishvili, a social entrepreneur and founder of Regional Educational Centers from Kutaisi, shared local needs and perspectives.
