**Georgia’s Democratic Backslide Sparks European Parliament Concern**
In a somber discussion at the European Parliament, member Rasa Juknevičienė expressed shock and disappointment over Georgia’s rapid descent into an autocratic regime. The country, once celebrated for its democratic progress in the region and among Eastern Partnership nations, now resembles Belarus under the rule of strongman Alexander Lukashenko.
“It is very unfortunate, but perhaps a fitting coincidence, that we are discussing the situation in Georgia on the same evening as Belarus,” Juknevičienė stated. “Who would have thought that Georgia—once a beacon of democracy not only in the region but also among Eastern Partnership countries—would turn into a Lukashenko-style autocracy?”
**The Georgian People’s Struggle**
Juknevičienė emphasized that MEPs recognize and respect the Georgian people’s desire to move closer to EU membership. However, this aspiration is being hindered by the regime’s repressive actions against opposition leaders and critics. The imprisonment of key figures has rendered the upcoming local elections in 2025 undemocratic and unfair.
**Visa-Free Regime Under Threat**
The European Parliament member noted that the Georgian government’s treatment of its citizens may lead to the cancellation of the country’s visa-free regime with the EU. “The full responsibility for the possible cancellation of Georgia’s visa-free regime lies with Ivanishvili and his party,” Juknevičienė stated. “Visa-free travel is granted to democratic countries, not to regimes that imprison citizens for political reasons.”
**A Strong Message from the European Parliament**
Juknevičienė’s comments reflect a growing concern among EU lawmakers about Georgia’s democratic backslide. The attacks on MEPs and EU ambassadors by representatives of the Ivanishvili regime have only strengthened their resolve to support the Georgian people’s struggle for democracy.
As the situation in Georgia continues to deteriorate, one thing is clear: the country’s path towards EU membership hangs in the balance. Will Georgia be able to reverse its democratic slide, or will it continue down a Lukashenko-style autocratic path? Only time will tell.
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