Indexes

Despite the fact that political parties had already begun their pre-election campaigns, August was relatively quiet, with less activity and a noticeable decline in media polarisation compared to the previous month.

In July, the Polarization Index saw another rise, marked by significant events such as the United States indefinitely postponing the "Worthy Partner 2024" military exercise, President Salome Zurabishvili returning a package of amendments related to the Pension Law to Parliament, and the President's appointment of a non-judge member to the Supreme Council of Justice, who the court later suspended. Conversely, the index experienced a decrease during periods of opposition party unification and notable performances by Georgian athletes in the Olympics.

Following a peak in polarization in May, attributed to the adoption of the 'Law of Foreign Influence,' there was a dramatic decline in polarization throughout the first month of summer. This decrease coincided with the successful participation of the Georgian football team in Euro 2024, which fostered a sense of national unity and pride.

Polarization intensified further with the approval of the so-called Russian Law and the ongoing demonstrations. The index's peak coincides with large demonstrations in Europe Square and the overriding of the president's veto on the Russian law.

The Index shows that media polarization increased in April 2024 which could be driven by reintroducing the so-called "Russian Law".