EP does not recognise Georgian authorities: calls for sanctions after elections

The European Parliament does not recognise the authorities in Georgia after the fraudulent elections of October 2024. 490 MEPs voted for the resolution, 147 opposed and 49 abstained. The EP calls for coordinated personnel sanctions to be imposed on those liable for the deteriorating situation in the country. Euro MPs besides request that fresh elections be set up.

According to the European Parliament, the parliamentary elections held in October 2024 were rigged and marked a turning point towards authoritarianism in the applicant country. Euro MPs accused Georgian parties of illegally subjugating state institutions, limiting civilian rights, repression of opposition, media and peaceful protesters.

In connection with the violations of democracy and the suppression of the European integration process, the EP reiterated its call for fresh elections. Until they are carried out, Parliament does not recognise the current agreement of power in Georgia - neither Parliament nor the President.

EP calls for sanctions

Euro MPs call on the European Union and associate States to impose coordinated human sanctions on those liable for the worsening situation in the country. Parliament besides called for a review of EU policy towards Tbilisi and for a reassessment of the implementation of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement.

The paper calls on the authorities in Tbilisi to return to democratic improvement and Euro-Atlantic integration. The EP expressed solidarity with the Georgians and their aspirations to live in a European state.

Concerns about upcoming elections

MEPs stressed that the upcoming local elections would not be democratic unless political prisoners were freed and the election process would not be conducted in fair terms. Parliament besides expressed concern at the restrictions on media freedom and the authorities' efforts to ban opposition political parties.

«From a country that was the leader of the east Partnership, Georgia has evolved into a brutal dictatorship. Most opposition leaders are in prison, independent media are on the verge of collapse, and social organisations are intimidated and restricted by law," said the rapporteur of the study Ras Jukneviciene (EPP), calling for urgent action by the EU and associate States. She added that Georgian protests have continued continuously for over 200 days despite violent repression.

From Strasbourg Łukasz Osiński (PAP) Note: This article was edited utilizing Artificial Intelligence.