Gamsakhurdia Presidency

Georgia's journey toward democratic reforms and its push for independence from Soviet control culminated in its first democratic multiparty elections on October 28, 1990. The "Round Table — Free Georgia" coalition, which included Zviad Gamsakhurdia's SSIR party and the Georgian Helsinki Union among others, won a decisive victory, securing 64% of the vote against the Georgian Communist Party's 29.6%. This election marked a significant shift in Georgian politics, setting the stage for further moves towards independence.

Following this, on November 14, 1990, Zviad Gamsakhurdia was elected as chairman of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Georgia, effectively positioning him as the de facto leader of Georgia. The push for full independence continued, and on March 31, 1991, a referendum overwhelmingly supported restoring Georgia’s pre-Soviet independence, with 98.9% in favor. This led to the Georgian parliament declaring independence on April 9, 1991, effectively re-establishing the Georgian state that existed from 1918 to 1921.

Gamsakhurdia's presidency was characterized by a vision of pan-Caucasian unity, termed the "Caucasian House," which promoted regional cooperation and envisioned structures like a common economic zone and a "Caucasian Forum" akin to a regional United Nations. Despite these ambitious plans, Gamsakhurdia’s tenure was short-lived due to political instability and his eventual overthrow.

Domestically, Gamsakhurdia's policies included significant changes such as renaming the Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic to the "Republic of Georgia," and restoring national symbols. He also initiated economic reforms aimed at transitioning from a socialist command economy to a capitalist market economy, with policies supporting privatization, social market economy, and consumer protection.

However, Gamsakhurdia's rule was also marked by ethnic tensions, particularly with Georgia’s minority populations. His nationalist rhetoric and policies exacerbated fears among minorities and fueled conflicts, particularly in Abkhazia and South Ossetia. This period also saw the establishment of the National Guard of Georgia and moves towards creating an independent military, further asserting Georgia's sovereignty.

Gamsakhurdia's foreign policy was marked by a strong stance against reintegration into Soviet structures and aspirations for closer ties with the European Community and the United Nations. His government also supported Chechnya’s independence from Russia, reflecting his broader regional aspirations.

The internal political turmoil culminated in a violent coup d'état on December 22, 1991, which led to Gamsakhurdia's ousting and a period of civil conflict. Following his escape and temporary asylum in various locations, Gamsakhurdia remained a controversial figure until his death.

In March 1992, Eduard Shevardnadze, a former Soviet foreign minister and a political rival of Gamsakhurdia, was appointed as the head of the newly formed State Council, marking another significant shift in Georgian politics. Under Shevardnadze's rule, which officially began in 1995, Georgia navigated the post-Soviet landscape marked by continuing ethnic conflicts and challenges in establishing a stable and democratic governance structure.