A standoff between pro-EU Georgian protesters and security forces continues in Tbilisi amid accusations of excessive use of force by police that have prompted international condemnation including from a group of influential U.S. lawmakers.
Day: December 4, 2024
Svenja Schulze, Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany, has announced that no new development cooperation projects with Georgia will be approved or commissioned, and no loan agreements will be signed. This decision follows the recent declaration by Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze to halt the country’s EU integration process “until 2028.”
The announcement comes amidst growing concerns over Georgia’s democratic backsliding, including the adoption of several anti-democratic laws, sings of state institutions capture, allegations of rigged elections on October 26, and Kobakhidze’s statement on suspending EU accession. These developments have heightened apprehension within the EU and Germany about Georgia’s commitment to democratic principles and European integration.
Earlier the German Ambassador to Georgia Peter Fischer warned that Georgia’s drift away from EU values deters foreign investment, citing examples like Heidelberg Cement’s exit from the Georgian market. He stressed that this trend undermines Georgia’s economic potential and risks further isolation.
Michael Roth, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the German Bundestag and a strong supporter of Georgia’s EU aspirations, called for decisive EU sanctions against those responsible for rigged elections and violations of peaceful protest rights. He underscored the importance of supporting those fighting for freedom and democracy in Georgia.
During the visit of Anton Hofreiter, Chairman of the European Affairs Committee of the German Bundestag to Tbilisi on November 19-20, he warned that Georgia’s turn away from democracy and EU integration would have “clear and negative consequences” for bilateral relations. Georgia receives the fifth-highest per capita bilateral aid from Germany.
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U.S. lawmakers have condemned the Georgian government’s crackdown on peaceful protests and its decision to withdraw from European Union accession talks, calling it a betrayal of the democratic and European aspirations of the Georgian people and calling for accountability of Georgian authorities.
In a statement, published on December 3, U.S. Helsinki Commission representatives, Co-Chair Ben Cardin (MD), Ranking Member Roger Wicker (MS), and John Cornyn (TX) condemned the ruling Georgian Dream party for abandoning democratic reforms and using tear gas, rubber bullets, and mass arrests against demonstrators.
“These actions are dragging Georgia toward Russian-style autocracy,” the commission warned, adding: “Georgian authorities responsible for human rights abuses and the erosion of democratic principles must face accountability from their own people and the international community.”
The U.S. lawmakers reiterated their solidarity with Georgians who seek Euro-Atlantic integration and democratic values, stating that: “The Georgian people’s sacrifices for Euro-Atlantic integration demand our continued solidarity and action.”
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27/10/2024 – Helsinki Commission Chair Calls on State Department to Investigate Allegations of Fraud in Georgian Elections
17/10/2024 – Helsinki Commission: Georgian Govt’ Must Honor Obligation to Hold Free and Fair Elections
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