Georgian Dream Opts Not to Support PACE Resolution Calling for Putin's Illegitimacy Recognition
By Liza Mchedlidze
Monday, October 16, 2023
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has called on European countries to recognize Russian President Vladimir Putin as illegitimate if he remains in power after the 2024 elections. PACE adopted a corresponding resolution in which it recommends that Europe should cease all relations with Russia, except for humanitarian ones.
The resolution from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe highlights that the attack on Ukraine and internal repressions provide them with reasons to conclude that the power of the Russian president is absolute and uncontrolled.
The Georgian Dream government did not join the resolution adopted by the Parliamentary Assembly of Europe.
Irakli Chikovani, the head of the Georgian Dream delegation to PACE, explained that he and his team had other higher-priority matters, which is why they were unable to attend the session in Strasbourg.
"We had various commitments, including the NATO Parliamentary Assembly and the Polish elections, where our representatives are currently engaged. I also had other obligations here. I'm not going to debate our priorities with you," said Irakli Chikovani.
When asked whether Russia is a dictatorship, Chikovani said that Russia "has problems related to the full functioning of democracy."
