European Parliament: Georgia’s self-proclaimed authorities have no legitimacy

In a resolution adopted on 13 February, the European Parliament refused to recognise the self-proclaimed authorities of the ruling Georgian Dream party following the rigged parliamentary elections on 26 October 2024, including the newly appointed President Mikheil Kavelashvili.  Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) called for the international community to join the boycott of Georgia’s ruling elite. 

MEPs continue to recognise Salome Zourabichvili as Georgia’s legitimate president and call on the President of the European Council António Costa to invite her to represent the country at upcoming meetings of the European Council and the European Political Community.

MEPs also want the Council and EU member states to impose personal sanctions on the officials and political leaders in Georgia responsible for democratic backsliding, electoral fraud, human rights violations and the persecution of political opponents and activists. This includes, among others, the prominent oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Parliamentary Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, judges passing politically motivated sentences and media representatives spreading disinformation.

According to MEPs, new parliamentary elections should take place within the next few months, be conducted in an improved electoral environment and overseen by an independent and impartial election administration and monitored by international observers. 

Deeply regretting the ruling Georgian Dream party’s abandonment of its path toward European integration and NATO membership, Parliament reiterates its unwavering support for the Georgian people’s legitimate European aspirations.

The text was adopted by 400 votes in favour, 63 against with 81 abstentions.

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Press release