A critical resolution on Georgia was adopted at the 48th session of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, supported by 101 votes.
The document states that against the backdrop of growing polarization, Georgia has experienced a rapid backsliding on democracy. It is noted that this has become especially acute after the parliamentary elections held in October 2024, the results of which were not recognized by opposition parties, as well as local and several international observers.
According to the resolution, the exclusion of the opposition from the political space and the lack of dialogue between it and the authorities have led to the virtual disappearance of political pluralism, including in municipal councils. The result was an excessive concentration of power in the hands of the ruling party and the opposition's boycott of all decision-making bodies, which limited the possibilities for negotiations and mediation.
The document pays special attention to the controversial Foreign Influence Transparency Act and the so-called Foreign Agent Registration Act, which replaced it. According to the authors of the resolution, they have significantly increased intimidation and discreditation of NGOs and critical media outlets in Georgia, which limits their freedom of expression.
In addition, recent amendments to the legislation that tighten sanctions and fines related to public demonstrations have limited freedom of assembly in the country. This, as stated in the resolution, allows local authorities to make decisions that contradict democratic standards.
The document emphasizes that the legislative framework related to local elections in Georgia has changed more than 20 times since the last elections, without broad consultations and consensus, which is contrary to the principle of stability of the electoral legislation. These changes, as noted by the authors of the resolution, have strengthened the influence of the ruling party on the Central Election Commission, threatening its independence.
Based on the resolution, the Congress of the Council of Europe calls on the Georgian authorities to take a number of measures, including:
- Immediately restore political dialogue at all levels of government through an inclusive political process involving local authorities, the opposition and civil society.
- Repeal legislation that violates human rights, in particular the Foreign Influence Transparency Act, and refrain from adopting FARA.
- Effectively investigate cases of arbitrary detention and violence against peaceful protesters and journalists, and release those detained, including journalist Mzia Amaglobeli.
- Repeal the controversial amendments to the Law on Civil Service and reinstate civil servants dismissed on their basis.
