Tbilisi (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Georgia’s opposition groups have called on the European Union to declare the Georgian new administration “illegitimate in all relevant statements.”
All four Georgian opposition parties, in their joint letter addressed to the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, voiced their concerns. The note was inscribed by Nika Melia of the “Coalition for Change,” Mamuka Khazaradze of “Strong Georgia,” Tina Bokuchava of “Unity – National Movement,” and Zaza Tavadze of “Gakharia for Georgia.”
What demands is Georgia’s opposition making to the EU?
Georgia’s opposition groups claim that the only solution to the present situation is “to conduct new elections under an improved electoral procedure, with a politically balanced electoral management and neutral state institutions.” The note also condemns Bidzina Ivanishvili, the architect of the Georgian Dream, for his project to elect Mikhail Kavelashvili as the sixth president of Georgia, naming it a move that aggravates the already tense situation.
The opposition mentioned the relevant demonstrations were encountered with “state-organised” terror and pointed out the issues of the “victims of violence committed by state-controlled riot police and street gangs,” including “suffering, inhumane treatment, and systemic breaches of human rights.”.
In the plea note, the parties urged the EU to take the following action “the prompt and unconditional freedom of all jailed politicians, activists, and pacifist demonstrators”, “targeted sanctions against those accountable for actions damaging democracy, including Bidzina Ivanishvili and his allies who are engaged in political repression.”.
They also urged the cancellation of visa-free travel for officials allied with the government, a powerful, public denunciation of violent acts against peaceful protesters, reporters, and activists, as well as the ongoing actions by Bidzina Ivanishvili’s government to damage democratic institutions.
