Nino Japaridze, PhD in Political Science from Oxford, has expressed concern over the cautious behavior of businesses in Georgia, warning that fear-driven decision-making is holding back the country’s democratic and economic development.
In an interview with TV-program Analytics, Japaridze highlighted the critical role business elites could play in supporting Georgia’s integration with the West, including the DCFTA and the European Union. “Business can make a great contribution to breaking the anti-democratic circle,” she said.
However, Japaridze observed that many businesses are overly cautious, weighing risks and aligning too closely with the political core to protect their interests. “I see scared, anxious businesses, and this is not serving Georgia,” she said. “This fear affects not only the political opposition but also the media. Why should anyone be afraid to place an advertisement? Such hesitation indicates that we are not functioning as a fully democratic state.”
According to Japaridze, the consequences of this fear are far-reaching. It diminishes media independence and quality when outlets become dependent on a single business group, and it perpetuates a closed, negative, Soviet-era style of governance.
“Business has the power to free Georgia from this undemocratic circle. Don’t be afraid!” she urged, emphasizing that confident, engaged businesses are essential for the country’s democratic and economic future.
