EU Parliament Condemns Georgia’s Democratic Decline

In a decisive move, the European Parliament has condemned the democratic backsliding in Georgia, a country that has been aspiring to join the European Union. The condemnation follows a report adopted by a significant majority of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), highlighting issues in the October 2024 parliamentary elections, which they described as a turning point towards authoritarianism.

The European Parliament’s report, supported by 490 votes in favor, criticizes the ruling Georgian Dream party for allegedly rigging the elections, capturing state institutions, and enacting repressive legislation. The MEPs expressed concerns about the impact of these actions on Georgia’s EU accession prospects, calling for new parliamentary elections monitored by international and domestic bodies.

With the legitimacy of Georgia’s current parliament and president under scrutiny, the European Parliament has urged the EU and its member states to consider sanctions against key officials of the Georgian Dream party. The report also calls for an immediate review of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement, emphasizing the need for the Georgian government to realign with democratic norms and Euro-Atlantic integration.

MEPs have voiced their solidarity with the Georgian people, emphasizing the importance of releasing imprisoned opposition leaders and creating a conducive environment for truly democratic elections. The European Parliament’s stance reflects growing concerns about Georgia’s political trajectory and underscores the EU’s commitment to supporting democratic reforms in the region.