Attempts by the ruling party Georgian Dream to ban opposition parties in Georgia
TA-10-2026-0336 · P10_TA(2026)0336 · PE788.312
- Adopted in plenary on · Adopted 445–37–97 · See the decision →
- Full procedure 2026/2913
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Parliament's resolution condemns attempts by the ruling Georgian Dream party to ban opposition parties in Georgia through a constitutional claim and demands its immediate withdrawal.¶ It calls for the release of named political prisoners and of those detained for peaceful protest, and for dropping politically motivated 'sabotage' charges.¶ It calls for repealing provisions that allow disproportionate restrictions on parties and individuals linked to prohibited parties, and for an end to obstruction of European political foundations.¶ It regrets the lack of EU and member state action and repeats its call for targeted sanctions and visa bans on named individuals.¶ It reiterates support for the Georgian people's European aspirations and warns that banning established parties precludes any move towards EU accession.¶
Key points
- Parliament strongly condemns the attempt to outlaw Georgia's opposition parties and demands immediate withdrawal of the constitutional claim against them.¶
- It stresses that a functioning political opposition is indispensable to democracy and that eliminating legitimate opposition through judicial means is incompatible with democracy.
- It notes that banning the sole opposition party in the Georgian Parliament dismantles the previous narrative of only targeting 'boycotting' parties.
- It calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners, naming Elene Khoshtaria, Mzia Amaglobeli, Mikheil Saakashvili, Giorgi Baramidze and Nika Melia, and of all detained for peaceful protest.¶
- It calls for dropping politically motivated 'sabotage' charges.
- It calls for repeal of provisions enabling disproportionate restrictions on parties and individuals associated with prohibited parties, and condemns misuse of legislation and state institutions to silence political opponents.¶
- It calls for an end to the obstruction of European political foundations.
- It regrets the persistent lack of EU and member state action on Georgia and repeats its call for targeted sanctions and visa bans on those responsible for democratic backsliding, violent repression and political persecution.¶
- It names Bidzina Ivanishvili, Irakli Kobakhidze, Shalva Papuashvili and Kakha Kaladze as first targets of those sanctions and visa bans.
- It reiterates support for the Georgian people's European aspirations and recalls warnings that any attempt to ban established political parties alienates Georgia from the EU and precludes any move towards EU accession.¶
Who is affected
- Georgia's opposition parties, including the United National Movement, Coalition for Change, Strong Georgia – Lelo, the Federalists and For Georgia, targeted by the constitutional claim.¶
- Named political prisoners and people detained for peaceful protest, for whom release is demanded.¶
- Bidzina Ivanishvili, Irakli Kobakhidze, Shalva Papuashvili and Kakha Kaladze, for whom targeted sanctions and visa bans are sought.¶
- The EU and most member states, criticised for lack of action and urged to impose sanctions and visa bans.
- The Konrad Adenauer and Friedrich Neumann Foundations, whose Tbilisi offices were forced to close.¶
Figures and deadlines
- November 2025: the Georgian Dream-controlled parliament lodged a constitutional claim seeking to ban opposition parties.¶
- September 2026: For Georgia, the only opposition party still in parliament, was added to the lawsuit.
- September 2026: new judges were appointed to the Constitutional Court.¶
- September 2026: the Konrad Adenauer and Friedrich Neumann Foundations were forced to close their Tbilisi offices.¶