**EU’s Largest Political Group Takes Stance Against Georgian Government**
The European People’s Party (EPP), the largest political group in the European Parliament, has adopted a resolution urging coordinated sanctions against the founder of Georgia’s ruling party, Bidzina Ivanishvili. The EPP also called on international bodies not to recognize the legitimacy of Georgia’s one-party parliament and its “appointed president.”
The resolution, passed at the EPP’s congress in Valencia, Spain, specifically demands that EU member states impose sanctions on Ivanishvili and his family members, companies, and network of enablers. It also calls for the freezing of his assets within the EU and the cutting off of Cartu Bank, which he owns, from international payment systems such as SWIFT and Visa/MasterCard.
**A Full-Fledged Crisis in Georgia**
The EPP describes the situation in Georgia as a “full-fledged constitutional, political and human rights crisis.” The party blames the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) government for derailing Georgia’s European path, despite widespread public support for EU integration. The GD government has been criticized for suppressing dissent, harassing civil society, and cracking down on protesters.
The EPP resolution points to several examples of the government’s heavy-handed tactics, including:
* Excessive fining of protesters
* Asset freezes targeting civil society organizations
* Dismissal of public servants for supporting pro-EU rallies
* The dismissal of a parliamentary commission that targeted the opposition United National Movement (UNM)
**A Call for New Elections**
The EPP resolution calls on the Georgian government to set a specific date for holding new, free, fair, and competitive parliamentary elections. It also demands that international bodies not recognize the legitimacy of Georgia’s one-party parliament or its “appointed president.” Instead, they should recognize President Salome Zurabishvili as the only legitimate representative of the Georgian people.
The resolution is a strong statement from the EPP, emphasizing their commitment to democratic values and human rights. It highlights the need for international cooperation to address the crisis in Georgia and ensure that the country follows a path towards European integration.
**What’s Next?**
The implications of this resolution are significant. If implemented, it could lead to further sanctions against the Georgian government and its officials. The EPP’s stance is also likely to impact EU-Georgia relations, potentially influencing the future of the Association Agreement between the two parties.
As the situation in Georgia continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the international community will be watching closely to see how the Georgian government responds to these demands.
