The Impact of the Georgian Diaspora in the 2024 Elections

Intelligence Report

Feb 20

By Nora Zerelli

With one in four Georgians living abroad, the Georgian diaspora exerts considerable political and economic influence. Actively participating in elections, it overwhelmingly supported pro-Western opposition parties in 2024, with the ruling Georgian Dream securing only 13.48% of the emigrant vote despite significant electoral barriers.

At the same time, the diaspora faces increasing challenges from disinformation campaigns spread by Russian-aligned and far-right European actors, who aim to delegitimise ongoing protests calling for new elections and democratic reforms.
Economically, the diaspora serves as a lifeline for Georgia, with remittances totalling 14% of Georgia’s GDP in 2021. Leveraging these economic contributions and enhancing collaboration between the diaspora and EU organisations could prove critical for Georgia’s future trajectory.
Moving forward, the diaspora is expected to play an even greater role in advancing democratic reforms and EU integration, as the Foreign Agents law increasingly stifles civil society at home. However, continuous Russian immigration into Georgia and the growing support of Russian-backed narratives by European far-right parties will further complicate civil engagement in the diaspora.
Georgia’s political future remains uncertain and heavily reliant on the active engagement of its one million expatriates.

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