Strasbourg (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – MEPs consider that the current democratic reversal in Georgia places the country’s integration into the EU on hold.
In the resolution adopted, the EU Parliament emphasised that the ruling Georgian Dream party, which is set to succeed in the upcoming parliamentary elections on 26 October, has followed an increasingly authoritarian plan, including press freedom and LGBTQ+ rights.
How do Georgia Laws violate fundamental rights?
As reported by the press of the EU Parliament, combined with modifications to the country’s electoral legislation and increasing anti-EU rhetoric, these laws infringe freedom of expression, censor the media, limit critical voices from civil society and the NGO sector, and contrast against vulnerable people, MEPs expressed. They also pointed out that unless the legislation is revoked, Georgia’s ties with the EU will not be able to progress.
MEPs called for a comprehensive investigation into police cruelty against peaceful protesters who took to the roads in spring 2024 to oppose the Russian-inspired “Georgian Dream” law that marks Western-funded media outlets and non-governmental organizations as “foreign agents.”
How are statements from government leaders fueling political intimidation?
MEPs are also concerned regarding the climate of hatred and intimidation fueled by statements by Georgian government officeholders and political leaders, as well as the government’s attacks on political pluralism. The resolution condemned statements by oligarch and “honorary chairman” of “Georgian Dream,” Bidzina Ivanishvili, and government figures who endanger to restrict opposition parties and call the opposition a “criminal political force.”
EU Parliament called for all EU funding to the Georgian government to be on hold until the repeal of anti-democratic regulations. Any future grant to the Georgian government can only be paid under strict conditions, stated MEPs.
How crucial are the upcoming elections for Georgia’s democracy?
Moreover, MEPs acknowledged that the upcoming parliamentary elections will be assertive in determining Georgia’s future democratic growth and geopolitical choice, as well as its capacity to advance its application for EU membership.
They encouraged the Georgian authorities to ensure that the elections fulfill the highest international standards and respect the will and free intention of the Georgian people. Also, the resolution called on the EU and its member states to hold accountable and inflict personal sanctions on all those responsible for sabotaging democracy in Georgia, including Bidzina Ivanishvili.
