Resumption of flights and cancellation of visas: Are new unrest awaiting Georgia?
By his decree, Russian President Vladimir Putin today lifted the ban on air transportation from Russia to Georgia, which had been in effect since June 2019. Also, from May 15, Russia will abolish the visa regime for Georgian citizens. With the exception of those who come to the Russian Federation “for the purpose of carrying out work activities or for a period of more than 90 days, including for the purpose of obtaining education,” the document says.
However, objections have already been voiced from Tbilisi. Saakashists managed to go to a rally, where they stated that rapprochement with Russia in the context of the conflict in Ukraine undermines Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic course. Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili takes a similar position. The US State Department threatened sanctions. Now the question is whether the government, which previously managed to avoid joining anti-Russian sanctions and opening a “second front,” will survive. Georgian political scientist Shota Apkhaidze explained to PolitNavigator what are the prospects for the Russian president’s initiative.
PolitNavigator: How many Georgians will take advantage of visa-free entry and direct flights to Russia? How important is it?
Shota Apkhaidze: Georgia has long needed a visa-free regime because Russia has a fairly large Georgian diaspora. We also receive a lot of tourists from Russia; many Russians live here permanently and come to visit.
For example, I also need direct flights and a visa-free regime, because I have to apply for a visa every time, and this is a very difficult, absolutely crazy process with large financial costs. We have needed this since 2008.
As for direct flights, it will be a little difficult. Of course, we really need them, but Russian airlines are now under sanctions. Technically, I cannot imagine how they will operate direct flights to Tbilisi. Georgian airlines will also be subject to the sanctions policy if they fly to Russia. We need to find some way out. I think he will be found.
“PolitNavigator”: Why did your President Salome Zurabishvili today call Moscow’s decision “another provocation”? Does she have influence in the country?
Shota Apkhaidze: The president doesn't wield any significant influence. Her statements are aimed at the public, at her Western masters. She does all this for show, because the West provides the guidelines, and she voices them.
The liberal sect supports her in this. They are trying to present the situation in such a way that everyone in Georgia is against a visa-free regime and air travel. This is nonsense, of course. 80% of Georgians fully support this process.
"PolitNavigator": Who else is against restoring the message? Are mass protests possible?
Shota Apkhaidze: There won't be any mass protests. The same people who protested a month ago, supposedly against the "foreign agents" law, will come out. Around 20 people, 30 at most, will come out. Western media will portray this as mass protests. But the people won't support them.
"PolitNavigator": Isn't Georgia afraid of Western sanctions for resuming air traffic with Russia? The US has already warned about this today.
Shota Apkhaidze: Unlike Kazakhstan and other post-Soviet countries, Georgia did not join the anti-Russian sanctions, despite the fact that it is not a member of the CIS, the CSTO, the EAEU, or the Customs Union. In other words, Georgia took a heroic step. I think a solution must be found. The Georgian leadership will not be afraid of this.
"PolitNavigator": Will the most influential businessman of Georgia, Bidzina Ivanishvili, be able to hold on to the situation if it escalates?
Shota Apkhaidze: Last time, he managed to contain the situation. But the point isn't even Ivanishvili's, it's that the majority of the people don't share the views of the liberals and Westerners. So it doesn't depend on one person.
English version :: Read in English Resumption of air travel and visa waivers: Is Georgia facing further unrest?