BERLIN (AP) — The foreign ministers of Germany, France, and Poland expressed concern on Tuesday about what they called a “political crisis” in Georgia. This statement comes two days after former soccer player Mikheil Kavelashvili was officially inaugurated as president of the South Caucasus nation, solidifying the ruling party’s hold on power in a move the opposition sees as detrimental to Georgia’s aspirations to join the European Union and a victory for Russia, its former imperial ruler.
In a joint statement, the three ministers strongly condemned the violence that took place against peaceful protesters, members of the media, and opposition leaders the previous week. They emphasized the Georgian authorities’ obligation to uphold human rights, protect fundamental freedoms, including the rights to peaceful assembly and media freedom.
In response to the direction taken by Georgia’s ruling Georgian Dream party favoring closer ties with Russia, the foreign ministers announced their intention to implement the European Union’s decision to halt visa-free travel for Georgian diplomatic and service passport holders. They also indicated that additional measures on both the EU and national levels were being considered.
The ministers underscored that the Georgian Dream’s political actions, characterized by repression and a regression in democratic principles, have led to a deterioration in their relationship with Georgia at both the European and national levels. Consequently, there has been a reduction in assistance and cooperation with Georgia’s authorities.
Following the October 26 election in which the ruling Georgian Dream party maintained control of Parliament amid allegations of electoral fraud with Russia’s involvement, the party has reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing EU membership while also seeking to improve ties with Russia. However, Georgia’s outgoing president and pro-Western parties have boycotted post-election parliamentary sessions and demanded a rerun of the vote.
Critics have accused the Georgian Dream party, founded by Bidzina Ivanishvili, a wealthy figure with ties to Russia, of increasingly authoritarian tendencies and alignment with Moscow, allegations that the party denies. Recent legislation introduced by the party has drawn comparisons to laws in Russia restricting freedom of speech and LGBTQ+ rights.
The decision by the Georgian Dream party to suspend discussions on Georgia’s EU accession bid further fueled opposition protests. Thousands of demonstrators have gathered nightly outside the parliament building since the suspension was announced on November 28. Riot police have used water cannons and tear gas regularly to disperse the crowds, resulting in clashes where some protesters threw fireworks and erected barricades along the capital’s main boulevard. Numerous individuals have been detained, and more than 100 have received medical treatment for injuries.
Journalists covering the protests have reported being assaulted by the police, with allegations that authorities employed aggressive tactics to discourage participation in anti-government demonstrations, a claim that the Georgian Dream party has refuted. The crackdown on dissent has drawn condemnation from the United States and EU officials.
In their joint statement, Germany, France, and Poland reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the democratic aspirations of the Georgian people.The ongoing political situation in Georgia remains a point of concern for international.
