European Parliament Calls for New Elections in Georgia Amid Controversial Government Stance
On November 28, the European Parliament passed a significant resolution urging for new legislative elections in Georgia, alongside recommending sanctions on high-ranking officials from the ruling Georgian Dream party. This development arose amidst widespread concerns regarding the legitimacy of the recent parliamentary elections, which occurred in October and saw Georgian Dream receiving 54 percent of the votes. Western governments have criticized these elections, suggesting they were compromised by various violations and undue Russian influence.
In response to the parliamentary resolution, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that his government would defer any discussions regarding EU accession until 2028, the conclusion of its tenure. "We are not going to join the European Union by begging and standing on one leg, but in a dignified manner with a sound democratic system and a strong economy," Kobakhidze emphasized during a statement at the Georgian Dream headquarters. His comments indicate a firm rejection of EU budgetary aid until 2028, a move seen as a way to maintain a posture of strength against external pressure.
Proponents of the European Parliament's resolution argue that the results of the elections do not accurately reflect the desires of the Georgian populace. They are calling for the European Union, which recently put Georgia's membership application on hold, to impose sanctions on key figures in the Georgian Dream party, including Prime Minister Kobakhidze, party chairman Irakli Gharibashvili, influential businessman Bidzina Ivanishvili, and Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze.
Kobakhidze expressed ambitions for Georgia to achieve EU membership by 2030, asserting in a parliamentary session, "We are ready to observe and take into account all conditions set by the EU that do not go against our national interests," garnering applause from members of his party.
Meanwhile, Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili, known for her critical views towards Georgian Dream, is set to meet with foreign diplomats in Tbilisi to address the current political climate and possibly outline her position on these developments.
Georgia's EU candidature status granted in December 2023 has faced strains recently, partly due to the controversial foreign agent law that critics argue endangers the independence of media and civil society organizations. This tension has been further exacerbated by the United States' decision in July to suspend over $95 million in assistance, highlighting a growing concern over democratic erosion in Georgia.
The unfolding situation underscores an ongoing power struggle within Georgia and its delicate relationship with Western entities, raising questions about the future trajectory of its governance and international alignment.
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