After decades of democratic reforms, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) now characterise Georgia as a victim of state capture and have reiterated their calls for new parliamentary elections in the country. A recent report, adopted with 55 votes in favour, 14 against, and four abstentions by the Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET), indicates that the manipulated parliamentary elections held in October 2024 represent a significant shift towards authoritarian governance in this EU candidate country. The report emphasises that these flawed elections facilitated the ruling Georgian Dream party’s illegal appropriation of state institutions and the erosion of democratic safeguards, alongside the implementation of repressive legislation that adversely impacts political opponents, journalists, and peaceful protesters.
Amid concerns that the Georgian government’s present course undermines the nation’s path to EU accession, MEPs have reaffirmed their demand for new parliamentary elections to be conducted with the oversight of international and independent domestic observers. Until such elections are arranged, MEPs will continue to regard the current one-party parliament and president as lacking legitimacy. They further call upon the EU and its member states to impose coordinated personal sanctions on key officials of the Georgian Dream party, as well as other individuals enabling the regime’s departure from democratic principles.
In light of the increasingly repressive legislative environment, MEPs are advocating for an immediate evaluation of the EU’s policy towards Georgia, urging the European Commission to assess the implementation of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement. While encouraging the Georgian Dream party to recommit to democratic reforms and pursue Euro-Atlantic integration, MEPs express their solidarity with the Georgian people and their sincere aspirations for a pro-European future.
Furthermore, MEPs underscore the importance of the upcoming municipal elections in 2025 as another critical measure of Georgia’s democratic resilience and political pluralism. They encourage the opposition to seize this opportunity to demonstrate unity and support for democracy and the rule of law, as evidenced by the peaceful protests following the October elections.
Additionally, MEPs convey their deep concern regarding the restrictive media environment in Georgia and the ongoing assaults on political opposition, including threats from leaders of the Georgian Dream party to declare opposition parties unconstitutional. This report will be submitted for a vote in the European Parliament in an upcoming plenary session.
“Sadly, we could not assess any progress by Georgia as EU’s candidate country because, from being an inspiring leader among the Eastern Partnership states, it has become a brutal dictatorship. It is an example of how a country can be captured by Russian interests from within without a shot being fired. But the Georgian people are not giving up, they continue protesting every day, for nearly 200 days now despite violent repression. The EU and its member states must take strong action before it is too late. We owe it to the brave Georgians fighting for a free and pro-European future,” rapporteur Rasa Juknevičienė (EPP, Lithuania) said.
