Georgian Dream's Opposition Ban Bid Sparks Fresh Row with EU
By Messenger Staff
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Georgia's Foreign Ministry has accused the European Union of attempting to influence the country's judiciary, escalating a dispute over Georgian Dream's efforts to ban five opposition parties just days before the Constitutional Court begins hearings on the case.
The latest clash followed criticism from European Commission spokesperson Christian Wigand, who said on October 19 that Brussels was closely monitoring the proceedings and feared they reflected a broader effort to restrict political competition in Georgia.
"These developments, alongside recent legal amendments and earlier statements about banning opposition parties, suggest a troubling instrumentalization of the justice system," Wigand said, warning that the situation "risks undermining fundamental freedoms, democratic pluralism and fair political competition."
Tbilisi rejected that assessment in a statement published the following day. Although the ministry did not name Wigand directly, it condemned what it described as repeated interventions by EU representatives in Georgia's domestic political and legal affairs.
"Assessments questioning the legitimacy of the proceedings before the Court has examined the case and prejudging the judicial process represent an attempt to exert undue pressure on a constitutional institution and constitute interference in Georgia's internal affairs," the ministry said.
It argued that the rule of law requires the Constitutional Court to assess the case independently, rather than face external criticism while proceedings are underway. The ministry also warned that recurring statements from EU officials were damaging the prospects for constructive engagement between Brussels and Tbilisi.
"The Ministry calls on all relevant representatives to refrain from statements and actions that could prejudge ongoing judicial proceedings or be perceived as interference in the work of independent constitutional institutions," the statement said, urging respect for judicial independence and mutual respect.
The European Parliament has taken a similarly critical position. In a resolution adopted on October 8, MEPs called for Georgian Dream to withdraw its lawsuit, describing it as an attempt to "eliminate legitimate political opposition." The resolution also warned of a broader push towards "turning Georgia into a one-party regime by eliminating political pluralism."
The legal challenge has expanded since it was first filed in October 2025. Georgian Dream initially targeted the United National Movement, Lelo/Strong Georgia and Ahali/Coalition for Change. The Federalists were added in April 2026, followed by For Georgia in September. For Georgia is the only opposition party currently represented in Parliament.
The ruling party resubmitted the lawsuit after each expansion, resetting the Constitutional Court's maximum nine-month deadline to issue a decision.
The court is scheduled to hear the case in Batumi from October 21 to 23, as tensions between Georgian authorities and European institutions continue over the future of political pluralism in the country.
