European Parliament Calls for Sanctions on Ivanishvili, Georgian Officials, and New Elections Amid Political Crisis
By Liza Mchedlidze
Friday, February 14, 2025
In a landmark resolution adopted on February 13, 2025, the European Parliament (EP) has taken a strong stance against the current political situation in Georgia. With overwhelming support of 400 votes in favor, the EP has called for significant actions to address what it describes as a "dramatic acceleration of democratic backsliding" in the country.
The resolution, jointly tabled by major political groups including the EPP, S&D, ECR, Renew, and Verts/ALE, outlines several key demands:
- Non-recognition of the Georgian Dream (GD) government
- Imposition of sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili, his associates, top officials, judges, and pro-regime media owners
- New elections as a precondition for future EU engagement
The EP's concerns stem from the October 26, 2024 parliamentary elections, which it describes as "deeply flawed and marked by grave irregularities." The resolution argues that these elections failed to meet international democratic standards and did not reflect the will of the Georgian people.
The EP continues to recognize Salome Zourabichvili as the legitimate President of Georgia, praising her efforts to guide the country back to a democratic path. The resolution calls for her to be invited to upcoming European Council and European Political Community summit meetings.
The proposed sanctions framework is extensive, targeting not only Ivanishvili and his family but also key political figures such as Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, and Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri. The EP specifically calls for freezing Ivanishvili's assets within the EU and urges the French government to strip him of the Legion of Honour.
The resolution also addresses the crackdown on protests since November 28, 2024, condemning what it terms "brutal violence and repression" against demonstrators. It highlights specific cases, including the arrest of journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli and the detention of opposition leaders Elene Khoshtaria, Nika Melia, and Gigi Ugulava.
In a move to support civil society, the EP directs the European Commission to reallocate Euro120 million in frozen funds towards strengthening Georgia's civil society and independent media. It also calls for a review of Georgia's visa-free status with the EU and a comprehensive audit of EU policy towards Georgia.
The resolution expresses deep concern over Russia's rising influence in Georgia and the GD party's "policy of rapprochement" with Moscow. It also demands the release of former President Mikheil Saakashvili on humanitarian grounds for medical treatment abroad.
