**Concerns Over Georgian Politics: Call for Dialogue and Reforms**
The situation in Georgia’s politics has taken a concerning turn, according to Marc Cools, President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe. He expressed deep concern over the arrest of opposition leaders, which hinders the possibility of dialogue between the country’s political forces.
**A Call for Cooperation**
Cools emphasized that the Congress is ready to cooperate with all Georgian political forces to ensure improvements to the electoral environment. The joint statement made by eight opposition parties announcing their boycott of local elections scheduled for October 2025 has left him regretful. Despite this, he remains committed to working with Georgian actors to create a trustworthy environment for participation in local elections.
**Resolution and Recommendation**
The Congress had previously adopted a resolution and recommendation on March 26, 2025, calling on the Georgian authorities to renew inclusive political dialogue at all levels of government. This was aimed at reducing polarization, restoring checks and balances essential in a pluralistic democracy, and guaranteeing the rights of the opposition to participate.
**A Reaffirmation of Concerns**
Cools has once again urged the Georgian authorities to stop persecuting the opposition and to begin political dialogue at all levels of governance. He emphasizes that this is crucial for creating conditions necessary for holding local elections, as requested in Congress Recommendation 476 (2022) concerning the rights of opposition candidates in local and regional elections.
**The Way Forward**
It’s essential for Georgia to move forward with a renewed focus on inclusive dialogue and reforms. As Cools puts it, “Today, I reaffirm this call. I urge the Georgian authorities to cease the persecution of the opposition and to start a political dialogue at all levels of governance in order to create the conditions necessary for holding local elections.” The path ahead is clear: Georgia needs to foster a more inclusive environment where opposition voices are heard and valued.
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