TI - Georgia Reports Alarming Decline in Democratic Norms Ahead of Parliamentary Elections
By Liza Mchedlidze
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
Transparency International Georgia (TI Georgia) has raised alarm over the declining state of democracy in Georgia from 2020 to 2024, just ahead of crucial parliamentary elections. In its latest report, the watchdog pointed to deepening corruption, a compromised judiciary, ineffective parliamentary oversight, and increasing challenges for the media.
TI Georgia warned that state capture has intensified, with corruption at high levels now bordering on kleptocracy. The report highlights that the Anti-Corruption Bureau, established to tackle corruption, has itself become ineffective and compromised.
The report criticized the growing control of the judiciary by a small group linked to the government, referring to this influence as "clan rule." U.S. sanctions against several influential judges have further revealed the extent of corruption. TI Georgia also notes that the government has used the judiciary to target peaceful protesters, opposition politicians, and critical media, while failing to implement the European Union's recommended judicial reforms.
TI Georgia's findings also pointed to significant shortcomings in parliamentary oversight, which they say primarily serves narrow political interests. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Parliament reportedly avoided properly overseeing the actions of the executive branch. Oversight of the security sector remains largely symbolic, and barriers have been created to prevent opposition parties from holding the government accountable.
The watchdog expressed concern over the increasingly hostile environment for journalists in Georgia. Journalists have faced threats, violence, and in some cases, death, while critical media owners and founders have been targeted by legal actions. TI Georgia called attention to restrictive laws that have made it harder for independent journalists to work freely.
