Georgia
Georgia was one of the small nations on the fringe of the USSR that secceded from the union in the early 90s and is part of the group of countries called the transition democracies. Presently, Georgia is in a delicate phase of reconstruction and it is developing in the direction of increasing stability and growing wealth.
Population: 4.6 million
Area: 69 700 km2
GDP (PPP): 22,32 billion dollar (2010 estimate)
GDP per capita (PPP): 4 800 $ (2010 estimate)
Rate of growth: 5,5 % (2010 estimate)
Chief of state: Mikheil Saakashvili
Head of government: Nikoloz Gilauri
Democracy has been strengthened, the economy developed and the country is cooperating successfully with the EU on fighting corruption and strengthening the rule of law. Furthermore, important reforms within the educational system and social welfare have been carried out.
Georgia is grappling with both external and internal conflicts. A peaceful solution of these conflicts relies on a well-established democracy. Georgia is the only functioning democracy in the region but its government is being subjected to continuous attempts from Russia to destabilize it. The Russian invasion of Georgian territory in 2008 is a particularly striking example.
In January 2008, as a consequence of protests from the opposition, presidential elections were held earlier than planned. Mikhail Saakashvili was re-elected with over 50 percent of the vote in an election which, according to international obsververs, was deemed largely fair. Saakashvili is head of the party United National Moment (UNM). UNM is a cooperative partner of the Jarl Hjalmarson Foundation and the winner of the 2008 parliamentary elections.
Georgia is, in many respects, a role model for other countries in the region. The two latest elections have received favorable reviews from the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). The country is an illustration of how democratisation and human rights are conducive to economic growth and improved living conditions across all social levels.
Since 2006, the Jarl Hjalmarson Foundation cooperates with the UNM. The goal is to support democratic development within the party and in the country in general. The work of the Foundation is appreciated and in high demand. Georgia is also interested in strengthening its ties with Europe and its institutions such as the EU and the Council of Europe. These ties are especially important because of the instability of the region and the tensions with Russia. Many of the new EU-member states have first-hand experience of dealing with the problems associated with independence from Russia. Other countries, like Sweden, can provide more general advice and act as mediators when conflicts arise.
One of the Foundation’s short-term goals in Georgia is to help further the process of democratisation, both within UNM as well as in society in general. A long-term goal is to involve more people in the political process, women and youths in particular.
