Majority of Georgians Believe Country is Developing in Wrong Direction, Edison Research Finds
By Liza Mchedlidze
Monday, July 29, 2024
A recent survey by Edison Research reveals that 63% of Georgians think the country is developing in the wrong direction, while 37% believe it is heading in the right direction. The study, commissioned by Formula TV company, highlights a growing dissatisfaction among the Georgian population.
According to the last three surveys, the number of those who think the country is developing in the wrong direction has steadily increased. In December, 57% of respondents held this view, and in April, this figure rose to 59%. The latest data, collected in July, indicates a continued upward trend in public discontent.
The sentiment is particularly strong among younger age groups. In the 25-34 age group, 72% believe the country is on the wrong path, and in the 18-24 age group, the figure is 71%. Even in other age brackets, a majority share the view that the country is not moving in the right direction.
Additionally, the survey provided insights into voter preferences if parliamentary elections were held tomorrow. The results are as follows:
- Georgian Dream/People's Power: 32.4%
- Unity: National Movement/Strategy Aghmashenebeli: 17.3%
- Strong Georgia: Lelo/For the People/Freedom Square: 12.8%
- For Georgia - Giorgi Gakharia: 11.2%
- Coalition Ahali/Girchi/Droa: 9.9%
Edison Research conducted the survey from July 11-24, interviewing 1,000 eligible voters aged 18 and older through face-to-face interviews nationwide. The margin of error is +/-2.5% for Georgia as a whole and for Tbilisi, with a 95% confidence interval.
These findings come at a critical time for Georgia, as the government faces increasing pressure to address various political, economic, and social challenges. The growing discontent among the population, especially among the youth, signals a potential demand for significant changes in policy and governance.
