On 9 July, the European Parliament adopted a report on the deterioration of the political situation in Georgia with a vote tally of 490 in favour, 147 against, and 49 abstentions. The report highlights that the October 2024 parliamentary elections in Georgia were fraudulent and signify a troubling shift towards authoritarianism in this EU candidate country. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) now characterise Georgia as a victim of state capture and reiterate their calls for new parliamentary elections.
The report indicates that these flawed elections have enabled the ruling Georgian Dream party to unlawfully gain control of state institutions, erode democratic safeguards, promote repressive legislation, and suppress political opponents, journalists, and peaceful protesters.
“Sadly, we could not assess any progress by Georgia because, from having once been an inspiring leader among Eastern Partnership countries, Georgia has become a brutal dictatorship. Since the adoption of this report in committee, the situation has deteriorated: almost all leaders of the opposition have been detained and are in jail. Independent media are on the verge of collapse. The largest civil society organisations face threats and severe legal restrictions,” rapporteur Rasa Juknevičienė (EPP, Lithuania) said.
“Georgia 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 more than 200 days, despite violent repression. The EU and its member states must take action before it is too late. We owe it to the brave Georgians fighting for a free and pro-European future,” added Juknevičienė.
Given the Georgian government’s actions jeopardising the country’s path to EU membership, MEPs emphasise the necessity for new parliamentary elections to be conducted under international and independent domestic supervision.
Until these elections are held, the European Parliament will not recognise the current one-party parliament or president in Georgia. Furthermore, MEPs call upon the EU and its member states to impose coordinated personal sanctions against key officials of the Georgian Dream party and other individuals responsible for the decline of democracy in the country.
Additionally, MEPs advocate for an immediate review of the EU’s policy towards Georgia and an evaluation of the implementation of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement. They express solidarity with the Georgian people and their legitimate aspirations for a pro-European future.
MEPs also state that the upcoming municipal elections will not reflect the valid democratic will of the Georgian people unless imprisoned and detained opposition leaders are released and the elections occur in a more conducive electoral environment.
Finally, MEPs express significant concern regarding the restrictive media environment in Georgia and ongoing attacks on political opposition, including statements from leaders of the Georgian Dream party that suggest an intention to declare opposition parties unconstitutional.
