**OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Condemns “Georgian Dream” Government, Calls for New Elections**
In a scathing rebuke of the “Georgian Dream” government, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly has adopted a resolution that is yet another failure on the international stage for the ruling party. Grigol Gegelia, one of the leaders of the opposition party “Lelo – Strong Georgia,” said the conclusion is a strong indictment of the government’s handling of recent parliamentary elections.
According to Gegelia, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s resolution explicitly calls on “Georgian Dream” to hold new parliamentary elections under free conditions. The document declares that the October 26, 2024 process and its outcomes cannot be considered democratic, and therefore states that these were not legitimate elections by the standards of democratic countries.
The Porto Declaration and Resolutions adopted by the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly includes a resolution titled “Resolution on Supporting Democracy and OSCE Values in Georgia.” The document expresses deep concern over the conduct of the October 26, 2024 parliamentary elections in Georgia, during which the OSCE/ODIHR observation mission identified numerous violations.
The resolution also condemns the disproportionate use of force against peaceful protesters who stand firmly for Georgia’s European and democratic future. It expresses disappointment that the Georgian government is using all available tools to consolidate its power by adopting new laws on “foreign agent registration,” “radio and television,” and “grants.”
Furthermore, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly notes that the situation in Georgia continues to deteriorate, with the government moving further away from the path of European integration. The document expresses deep concern over the growing negative rhetoric against the European Union and the framing of the EU as entirely unacceptable.
**Key Points of the Resolution**
* The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly expresses deep concern over the conduct of the October 26, 2024 parliamentary elections in Georgia.
* The resolution condemns the disproportionate use of force against peaceful protesters who stand firmly for Georgia’s European and democratic future.
* The document expresses disappointment that the Georgian government is using all available tools to consolidate its power.
* The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly notes that the situation in Georgia continues to deteriorate, with the government moving further away from the path of European integration.
**What Does This Mean for Georgia?**
The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s resolution is a significant blow to the “Georgian Dream” government. It highlights the international community’s concerns about the government’s handling of recent parliamentary elections and its continued consolidation of power.
For Gegelia, this conclusion is yet another failure on the international stage for the “Georgian Dream” government. He believes that it is essential for the government to de-escalate the situation, engage in national dialogue with all relevant stakeholders, and respect the rights to freedom of assembly and expression.
The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s support for Georgia’s pro-European aspirations demonstrates its firm commitment to democratic values and a vision of the country’s future in Europe. However, this resolution also highlights the growing divide between the Georgian government and the international community.
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