The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) on Thursday passed a resolution strongly condemning the Georgian Dream government.
Backed by 68 members, with 7 opposing and 2 abstaining, the resolution warns that the erosion of democracy in Georgia represents a significant threat to European values. It denounces the government’s isolationist approach, its crackdown on opposition forces, media, and civil society, as well as its controversial “foreign influence” law.The resolution was approved just two days before Saturday’s local elections, which most of the opposition parties have decided to boycott.
Entitled "Uphold democracy and the rule of law in Georgia", the resolution echoes similar concerns raised in a previous PACE resolution from April. It urges member states to consider filing interstate cases with the European Court of Human Rights to ensure Georgia complies with its obligations as a Council of Europe member. PACE expressed deep disappointment that the ruling Georgian Dream party has repeatedly ignored its warnings and recommendations about the country’s worsening democratic situation.
The resolution criticizes Georgia’s increasingly isolationist stance and deteriorating relations with the EU and its member states, as well as the government’s unwillingness to work with the Venice Commission on legislative reforms.
PACE also raised alarms over reports that former Georgian delegates to the assembly may face prosecution for their votes or activities during their tenure.
Additionally, the assembly dismissed the legitimacy of the upcoming elections, stating that the government failed to create an inclusive electoral environment, which is evident in the widespread opposition boycott. It also condemned the lack of independent civil society election monitors, the failure to invite the Council of Europe to observe the elections, and the delayed invitation to the OSCE/ODIHR observation mission
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