New sanctions against the Georgian authorities include the termination of "Dream" mandates in PACE and the cancellation of visa-free travel for holders of diplomatic passports
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe questioned the powers of the Georgian delegation, which was fully formed by the ruling party "Georgian Dream", and must make a decision on their suspension. The initiative, which was put forward by the Swedish MP Boriana Oberg, was supported by more than 30 PACE members. This, according to the Statute of the Assembly, is enough to make a decision without extensive discussion. The matter was referred to the Monitoring Committee, and the decision will be announced within 24 hours.
Oberg argued the appeal of the plenipotentiary delegation of Georgia due to the lack of opposition in it, as well as the current situation in the country.
"The Parliament of Georgia is one-party - only with the "Georgian dream". Ivanishvili's regime destroys the democratic order in Georgia. That is why I am turning to you on behalf of the European People's Party (EPP) with a request to suspend their powers," Oberg said at the meeting.
Commenting on the possible suspension of the "Dream" plenipotentiary in the PACE, Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze said that any attempt to harm the country is doomed to failure - "this concerns both the opposition and its patrons outside the country."
Let us remind you that in early January, three Georgian opposition coalitions sent a joint letter to PACE President Theodoros Rousopoulos and heads of political groups in the Assembly with an appeal not to recognize the mandates of the ruling party's deputies.
This is not the only new measure adopted by the West in relation to the Georgian authorities. Thus, the heads of foreign affairs of EU countries supported the decision to suspend visa-free travel for holders of Georgian diplomatic and service passports. The innovation will enter into force in the coming days. The press release notes that citizens of Georgia with ordinary passports "will continue to enjoy visa exemption for short-term trips to the EU."
