The democratic backsliding and threats to political pluralism in Georgia
TA-10-2024-0017 · P10_TA(2024)0017 · PE764.088
- Adopted in plenary on · Adopted 495–73–86 · See the decision →
- Full procedure 2024/2822
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The resolution condemns Georgia's democratic backsliding, including the 'transparency of foreign influence' law, the 'family values and protection of minors' law, and electoral code changes, and calls for their repeal.¶ It demands freezing EU funding to the Georgian government until the laws are repealed, and calls for sanctions on those undermining democracy, including Bidzina Ivanishvili.¶¶¶ It urges Georgia to ensure free and fair elections on 26 October 2024, protect civil society and media, and align with EU foreign policy, including sanctions on Russia.¶¶¶
Key points
- Condemns the adoption of the 'transparency of foreign influence' law, the 'family values and protection of minors' law, and changes to the Electoral Code, calling them tools to violate freedoms and discriminate.¶
- Calls for freezing all EU funding to the Georgian government until the undemocratic laws are repealed, and for strict conditions on future funding.¶
- Condemns threats by Georgian leaders to ban opposition parties and calls for investigation of police brutality against peaceful protesters.¶¶
- Calls on the Commission to assess how Georgia's laws and electoral changes affect visa liberalisation benchmarks, especially fundamental rights.¶
- Reiterates support for Georgia's European aspirations and condemns efforts to silence President Zourabishvili.¶
- Deplores the role of oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili and calls for targeted personal sanctions against him and others responsible for undermining democracy.¶¶
- Emphasises that freedom of expression, assembly and peaceful protest must be respected, and calls for an enabling environment for civil society and independent media.¶¶
- Urges Georgian authorities to ensure the October 2024 elections meet international standards, stop misuse of public resources, and allow civil society election observation.¶
- Expresses alarm at limited polling stations abroad and obstacles to the 'Go Out and Vote' campaign, undermining diaspora voting and democracy.¶
- Deplores Georgian Dream's use of war images from Ukraine for disinformation and demands it stop violence, intimidation and hate speech.¶¶
- Calls on Georgia to impose sanctions on Russia, maintain non-recognition of occupied territories, and align with EU foreign policy.¶
- Demands the immediate release of former President Mikheil Saakashvili on humanitarian grounds and notes worsened access to Soviet-era archives.¶¶
Who is affected
- The Georgian government and parliament, which face funding freezes and sanctions unless laws are repealed.¶¶
- Civil society organisations and independent media in Georgia, which are to be protected and enabled to operate freely.¶
- Georgian citizens, especially the diaspora, who face obstacles to voting in the October 2024 elections.¶
- Former President Mikheil Saakashvili, whose release is demanded for medical treatment abroad.¶