European Parliament Debates Georgia's Election Irregularities, Signals Stricter EU Conditions
By Liza Mchedlidze
Thursday, November 14, 2024
In a debate held on November 13, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) addressed the controversial parliamentary elections in Georgia, raising concerns over alleged Russian interference and widespread irregularities. The discussion followed a last-minute adjustment to the European Parliament's plenary agenda, allowing MEPs to scrutinize the October 26 elections in Georgia and prepare for a resolution vote set for November 25-28.
European Commission Vice-President Margaritis Schinas opened the debate, sharply criticizing the election's conduct. "These elections fall short of the standards expected of a country holding the EU candidate status," Schinas declared, noting violations reported during the campaign and on election day itself. He attributed an "uneven playing field" to the ruling party's use of state resources and its strategic emphasis on stability amid regional conflict.
Schinas also pointed out that the Georgian authorities had been using anti-EU rhetoric and suppressing dissent, which disproportionately affected the opposition. Thousands of Georgian citizens, some waving European flags, have demonstrated peacefully in response to the election results, reflecting, as Schinas put it, "not only about them but also about us," referencing shared European values.
The EU's response to democratic backsliding in Georgia was reiterated, with Schinas detailing the suspension of EUR 151 million in aid and Georgia's accession process effectively put on hold. "These measures will remain in place until the authorities change the course of actions," he stated, emphasizing continued support for civil society and independent media in Georgia.
Schinas outlined the EU's expectations: Georgia must implement the reforms in the European Commission's Nine Steps, halt disinformation, and repeal divisive laws such as the Foreign Agents law and anti-LGBT measures. "The conditions are out there and are clear - democracy and the rule of law. The sooner this is understood in Tbilisi, the better," he concluded.
The debate proceeded with MEPs weighing in on potential additional EU measures, adding further pressure on Georgia to align with democratic standards.
