Georgian coalition partners will fight polls as rivals

Subject

Divisions in the Georgian Dream coalition

Significance

The ruling Georgian Dream coalition, assembled in 2012 by billionaire businessman Bidzina Ivanishvili, has fractured just as campaigning begins for parliamentary elections on October 8. Amid voter fatigue and disenchantment with the Georgian Dream government, divisions have emerged between coalition members on foreign policy and same-sex marriage.

Impacts

• Georgia's European allies will find a more nationalist and conservative government harder to deal with.
• The impetus for European integration may slow.
• Rapprochement with Moscow will produce trade benefits but no agreement on separatist entities.