European Parliament Debates Georgia's Political Crisis
By Liza Mchedlidze
Thursday, January 23, 2025
During the January 22 European Parliament debate, MEPs discussed Georgia's worsening political climate, focusing on the October 26 elections, repression of demonstrators, and actions by the Georgian Dream (GD) government. The majority of speakers criticized the government's approach.
European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, opened the debate by condemning violence against protesters, politicians, and journalists, as well as threats against President Salome Zurabishvili. He stated that GD's actions were incompatible with EU candidate status. Brunner urged the government to de-escalate tensions, release detained protesters, investigate abuses by law enforcement, and engage in constructive dialogue with civil society and political groups. He also emphasized the EU's solidarity with the Georgian people and announced the reallocation of Euro8.5 million to support civil society, alongside reduced EU engagement with the GD government and halted direct financial assistance.
In the subsequent 45-minute debate, MEPs expressed a range of views. Lithuanian MEP Rasa Jukneviciene (EPP) criticized the GD government, highlighted threats to democracy, and called for sanctions against Bidzina Ivanishvili and others responsible. German MEP Tobias Cremer (S&D) condemned repression, urged new elections, and noted the resilience of the Georgian people despite government actions.
French MEP Thierry Mariani and Slovak MEP Branislav Ondrus defended the GD government, opposing what they described as European political interference. Mariani argued against EU influence over Georgian decisions, while Ondrus pointed to GD's efforts to counter Russian occupation as evidence of its pro-European stance.
Other MEPs, including Polish MEP Malgorzata Gosiewska (ECR) and French MEP Nathalie Loiseau (Renew Europe), urged stronger EU action, sanctions on GD officials, and support for civil society and free media. Several speakers also called for investigations into alleged election irregularities and the release of political prisoners, including former President Mikheil Saakashvili.
The debate concluded with Magnus Brunner reaffirming the EU's commitment to supporting Georgia's civil society and democratic aspirations. He announced that the European Council would discuss Georgia at its January 27 session, with further actions to be decided in February.
