European Parliament deems Georgian authorities illegitimate, calls for new elections

The European Parliament, in a resolution on Georgia, has declared the government of the ruling party Georgian Dream illegitimate, labeling both the government and parliament as self-proclaimed. 

Its party’s chairman is Bidzina Ivanishvili, a shadowy billionaire who is widely considered the de facto leader of Georgia and made his fortune in Russia. He is currently under U.S. sanctions for “undermining democracy” in Georgia. 

The only legitimate representative of the country is pro-democratic and pro-European integration President Salome Zourabichvili, according to the European Parliament.

“MEPs call on the international community to join the boycott of Georgia’s self-proclaimed authorities, who they accuse of eroding the country’s democracy and cracking down on dissents,” the document states.

The resolution, titled “On the Deteriorating Political Situation in Georgia,” was adopted on Feb. 13. It received support from 400 Members of the European Parliament, while 63 voted against it, and 81 abstained.

“The resolution also restates the only solution to the current crisis in Georgia is holding new parliamentary elections, which should take place within the next few months,” the MEPs said.

The European Parliament also expanded its list of individuals for whom it calls for European sanctions. These include Ivanishvili, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Parliamentary Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, as well as judges issuing politically motivated verdicts and media representatives spreading disinformation.

The resolution further calls on European Council President António Costa to invite the  French-born Zourabichvili to represent the country at upcoming European Council and European Political Community meetings.

In response, the political council of Georgian Dream dismissed the resolution, stating that they do not take the European Parliament seriously.

The Ukrainian World Congress stands in solidarity with the Georgian people and condemns the so-called “elections” of the new president, whose legitimacy is not recognized by most democratic nations. These actions only strengthen the authoritarian regime and undermine the true will of the Georgian people.

The UWC calls on all freedom-loving individuals and Ukrainian communities around the world to amplify the voice of the Georgian people, support peaceful protests, and advocate for decisive international actions to defend Georgia’s sovereignty and democratic foundations.