"The protests have been mainly organized by civil society groups, many of which receive funding from overseas groups promoting things like democracy and a free media, who fear the country is sliding into authoritarianism. Many have coordinated their activities in messaging apps with opposition lawmakers.
The protests have been broadly embraced by citizens of the capital. Students have marched from their schools, and workers from their offices. Tbilisi’s techno dance clubs called on their patrons to go out and protest.
However, the views of the overwhelmingly young protesters in Tbilisi have found little sympathy in more populous conservative areas outside the city center.
That has particularly been the case with older Georgians in rural regions and in small towns and villages, many of whom bore the economic brunt of the collapse of the Soviet Union, and the chaos when Georgia plunged into civil war.
Many repeat the government’s claims that foreign groups and the European Union are imposing what they call an L.G.B.T.Q. ideology on Georgia — echoing populist leaders in countries like Hungary and Slovakia. In response, they have held their own marches, which are characterized by hymns and crosses instead of the anti-Russia chants and flags of the European Union at the pro-Western demonstrations.
“Everyone wants to interfere in our politics and make sure there is conflict here just as in Ukraine,” said Ketevan Lomidze, 60, a doctor, at a recent “family values” rally in Tbilisi. “We want to be part of the European Union, but with our own sovereignty, faith and traditions.”” [1]
1. Divisions Set to Deepen in Georgia After Foreign Influence Law Passes. Nechepurenko, Ivan. New York Times (Online) New York Times Company. May 29, 2024.
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