Georgia Election polls, voting intention polls and current polling numbers

Georgia's economy is showing strong growth, with forecasts predicting up to 6.5% in 2026, driven by service exports and robust domestic demand. At the same time, the cost of living is rising, with an inflation rate of 5.8% in June, particularly noticeable in restaurants and transportation. This situation unfolds against a backdrop of increasing political tensions: The government is consolidating its power through controversial laws that restrict civil society and the media. This path is alienating Georgia from the EU and signals a move towards Russia and China, overshadowing the economic upswing and posing risks to long-term stability.

Georgia is significantly tightening its migration policy to protect national identity and reduce illegal immigration to zero. Since March 1, 2026, comprehensive reforms to the labor migration law have taken effect, requiring foreign workers to obtain mandatory work permits and intensifying border controls. The government is responding to growing domestic debates about demographic shifts and the preservation of cultural distinctiveness. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze emphasized that these measures are crucial for safeguarding Georgia's national and religious identity. The stricter regulations signal a clear shift towards tighter immigration control and increased oversight.

Georgia is currently navigating a geopolitical minefield as its government pursues a controversial rapprochement with Russia. Tbilisi is signaling its intention to deepen practical ties with Moscow through increased diplomatic and economic cooperation. This includes expanding trade relations and improving transport links, which is, however, causing concern both domestically and abroad. In parallel, the latest round of Geneva talks on normalizing relations with Russia ended without results, with Georgia sharply condemning a new “Alliance and Strategic Partnership Agreement” between Russia and occupied South Ossetia. The political root lies in a drastic change of course by the ruling party, “Georgian Dream.” The European Parliament strongly criticizes Georgia's “democratic backslide,” which is evident in measures such as the controversial “agents law” and the suspension of EU accession negotiations until 2028. This development, ongoing since the 2024 parliamentary elections, which were deemed “flawed,” is pulling the country away from its pro-Western ambitions and into an ever-deepening domestic political crisis.

Georgia's political landscape remains deeply divided and unstable. The government, led by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, is intensifying its stance against the opposition, labeling it as "betrayal of the state." Just recently, on July 10th, Kobakhidze described the opposition's strategy of protests and sanctions as "treacherous" and announced investigations into "sabotage" against leading opposition figures. This escalation is a direct result of the controversial parliamentary elections in October 2024, which observers described as having "fundamental flaws," as well as the subsequent "Agent Laws." The ruling party, "Georgian Dream," is thus consolidating its power and pushing back independent voices, which significantly strains the country's democratic culture and jeopardizes its rapprochement with the EU.

Georgia is accelerating its transformation in energy, climate, and infrastructure. The country is pushing forward with decarbonization, aiming for climate neutrality by 2050, and plans a massive increase in energy capacity to 11,600 MW by 2036, primarily through renewable sources. At the same time, billions are being invested in strategic infrastructure projects like ports and highways. This agenda is politically driven by Georgia's EU candidate status, which necessitates alignment with European climate and energy standards. However, domestic political debates, for instance concerning the role of foreign financing, are shaping the implementation and could strain international partnerships.

Georgia is experiencing ongoing tensions that are straining social harmony and creating deep divides between generations. Young people, often at the forefront of pro-Western protests, are particularly facing state repression. The so-called 'Foreign Agents Law' from May 2024, along with other legislative changes, drastically curtails freedom of speech and assembly, as highlighted by recent reports and international discussions. A UN General Assembly debate in June 2026 also emphasized the intergenerational aspect of displacement from occupied territories, which further challenges social cohesion. This policy by the ruling 'Georgian Dream' party intensifies the divisions and jeopardizes the country's European integration.

Georgia's youth faces an uncertain future: Youth unemployment rose to 17.60 percent in 2025, while more and more young people are leaving the country, driven by the search for better living and educational opportunities. This exodus, often called a 'brain drain,' significantly weakens Georgia's future workforce. Government policies, especially the adherence to controversial laws and the perceived delay in EU reforms, contradict the pro-European aspirations of many young Georgians. They see their future in Europe, demanding democratic values and economic prospects that are missing in their own country.

Families and single parents in Georgia are experiencing noticeable changes due to new government decisions: Since May 2026, the government has been cutting social assistance for low-income families whose taxable salary per family member reached or exceeded 1,250 Lari (approx. 420 Euros) in the three preceding months, without an individual socio-economic review. This reform, justified by identifying "wealthy" beneficiaries, forces many marginalized households to re-evaluate their financial situation. Simultaneously, comprehensive changes to alimony law came into effect on January 1, 2026, introducing fairer but more complex regulations with a new calculation basis and mandatory adjustments to care times. A positive development is the increase in tax-free allowances for children and dependents, as well as a new tax credit of 250 US dollars for children under six years old starting July 1, 2026, offering a small relief for young families. However, ongoing inflation and rising housing costs continue to strain budgets, while international organizations like UNFPA and UNICEF point to financial insecurity as the main reason for postponed family formation and multidimensional child poverty.

Pensioners in Georgia are experiencing a mixed reality: Since July, old-age pensions for those over 70 have increased by 45 Lari to 495 Lari, and for younger individuals by 20 Lari to 370 Lari. These adjustments, part of the 2026 state budget plan, aim to strengthen purchasing power. However, a UN expert criticizes that the reforms don't go far enough and inadequately address old-age poverty, especially among women. At the same time, new laws are coming into effect to reform state pension systems, such as that for magistrates, and to improve protection against financial fraud for older people. The country, considered the most rapidly aging in the South Caucasus, faces the challenge of ensuring sustainable social security despite economic growth.

Georgia's annual inflation climbed to 5.8 percent in June 2026. This surge particularly impacts everyday living expenses: food and non-alcoholic beverages became 5.6 percent more expensive, housing and utilities rose by 7.2 percent, while transport costs soared by 16.5 percent. This price explosion significantly erodes purchasing power. Nevertheless, the unemployment rate remained at 14.4 percent in the first quarter of 2026. The underlying political issue stems from the ongoing challenge for both the government and the National Bank to implement effective measures against rising prices. Although the International Monetary Fund deemed the National Bank's interest rate hikes in May appropriate, the persistent inflation suggests these efforts have not been enough to contain it.

Entrepreneurs, self-employed individuals, and business owners in Georgia are feeling the weight of political isolation. The EU has effectively halted the accession process and frozen funding. This situation was triggered by the 'Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence,' passed by the ruling 'Georgian Dream' party, which stigmatizes NGOs and media outlets. This policy erodes the trust of international investors, complicates access to EU markets, and increases the compliance burden for many internationally active players. Simultaneously, new tax regulations, such as the monthly reporting requirement for small businesses even without revenue, significantly escalate bureaucratic effort. This forced departure from a European path jeopardizes the long-term economic foundation and fuels deep uncertainty throughout the business community.

Georgia's independent civil society, which champions LGBTQ+ and minority rights, is fighting for its survival. The "Transparency Law on Foreign Influence," passed in March 2026, stigmatizes and criminalizes groups receiving over 20 percent of their funding from abroad, branding them as "foreign agents." This repressive legislation from the ruling Georgian Dream party aims to suppress critical voices and severely hinder the defense of fundamental human rights. The anti-LGBTQ law from 2024, which banned "propaganda" and criminalized gender-affirming care, already drastically curtailed freedoms. The EU is issuing a strong warning about halting the accession process.

Since March 1, 2026, nearly all foreigners working or self-employed in Georgia must possess a state work permit. Without this authorization, severe fines of 2,000 GEL and even deportation now loom. This drastic new regulation fundamentally alters the lives of many expats and digital nomads. The government is pushing these reforms to regulate the job market, control immigration, and, as Prime Minister Kobakhidze emphasized, "reduce illegal migration to zero." This marks a clear break from the previous, more liberal policies and creates new bureaucratic hurdles that many find themselves unexpectedly facing.