"Authoritarian Course" — French Parliament Adopts Resolution on Georgia
The National Assembly (Lower House of Parliament) of France adopted a resolution on the situation in Georgia, harshly criticizing the actions of the current Georgian authorities and outlining the conditions for the country's further progress toward European integration. The document was supported by 68 members of parliament to 28.
Georgia's fifth president, Salome Zurabishvili, who does not recognize the legitimacy of her successor or parliament, participated in the discussion. She announced her presence at the meeting on social media.
The resolution criticizes the Georgian government and its "authoritarian course." Specifically, the authors point to the deteriorating situation with freedom of speech, restrictions on the right to peaceful assembly, and the disproportionate use of force against protesters.
The resolution also proposes maintaining a pause in Georgia's rapprochement with the EU until it meets a number of demands. While not closing the country's European prospects, they make them directly dependent on adherence to the rule of law and the protection of fundamental rights.
The text also calls on the French authorities to support democratic institutions in Georgia, including independent media, non-governmental organizations, and the academic community. Furthermore, the authors call for an open response to external influence on political processes in the country, including that of Russia and the oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party. A separate clause in the document proposes considering targeted sanctions against Ivanishvili and his entourage.
