EU lawmakers have urged imposing sanctions on Georgian officials over “unprecedented number of systemic violations” during the October 26 parliamentary elections.
In a joint statement on November 6, the lawmakers specifically called for individual sanction against Bidzina Ivanishvili, honorary chairman of the Georgian Dream party, a reassessment of the EU's visa liberalization with Georgia.
“Standing strongly in solidarity with nations that adhere to the values of democracy, fundamental freedoms and rule of law. Standing strongly with the Georgian people and their European choice.
Noting with deep regret Georgia’s recent democratic backsliding, including the enactment of anti-European legislation limiting the space for independent civil society organizations and human rights,” the statement reads.
The statement reiterated the lawmakers’ profound concerns regarding the October 26 parliamentary elections in Georgia, which were marred by an unprecedented number of incidents and systemic violations reported by international observers. It underscored that election integrity and the rule of law are fundamental to European values, to which Georgia, as an EU candidate country, must show commitment.
The statement was endorsed by the heads of foreign and European committees from parliaments in Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Italy, Ireland, France, Germany, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Moldova, and Ukraine, in addition to members of the European Parliament.
The authors argued that an international investigation into the systemic violations observed during the elections is crucial, calling on Georgian authorities to ensure transparency and public access to voting records.
