Georgia has been in the center of international attention after the country’s pro-Russian government posted disgraceful election posters using the war in Ukraine to intimidate citizens. The scandalous billboards have been the subject of fierce debate and condemnation both at home and abroad.
The posters show a destroyed Ukrainian cathedral contrasted with a Georgian church in a peaceful state. The caption on the poster reads, “If you don’t want destruction like in Ukraine and war, then vote for the government.” This obvious manipulation of people’s pain and fears has caused a storm of outrage on social media, especially among Ukrainian and Georgian activists.
Such propaganda aimed at portraying the opposition as a threat to the country’s stability and security is actively used to hold on to power. However, the use of the tragedy of another country where a brutal war continues has drawn sharp criticism from the international community.
Ukraine, which is a victim of Russian aggression, is already at the center of world news. Now the Georgian authorities are openly using this conflict for their own political purposes. The question of how far political elites are willing to go to retain power remains open, but this case has already become a landmark example of how cynically someone else’s tragedy can be used to achieve domestic goals.
International reactions
Ukrainian diplomats have already expressed outrage at this use of military events in political agitation in Georgia, calling it an unacceptable and irresponsible move. International organizations have also expressed concern that such methods of manipulation can undermine democratic processes.
Georgia at a crossroads
These election posters once again confirm the deep internal contradictions in Georgian society. As the political struggle between pro-Western and pro-Russian forces intensifies, the situation is becoming increasingly tense.
Source: 24Brussels.online
