**Georgia’s Drift Away from Europe: A Warning for the EU**
The European Parliament’s permanent rapporteur on Georgia, MEP Rasa Juknevičienė, has sounded a warning bell about the country’s slide into authoritarianism and its potential implications for the European Union. In a recent meeting of the European People’s Party, Juknevičienė emphasized that Georgia’s current regime is an example of the internal seizure of the state by the Kremlin.
**A Christian Nation at Risk**
Georgia, with its rich history and Christian heritage, is now facing a very real risk of losing its European identity to a “Kremlin-style” government. The country has been drifting away from Europe for years under the leadership of Bidzina Ivanishvili, but the October 2024 parliamentary elections have marked a new chapter in Georgia’s decline. According to Juknevičienė, the regime is using brutal repression, violence, and arrests – tactics reminiscent of the Kremlin’s playbook.
**A Strategic Loss for Europe**
Georgia was once a reliable partner of Europe, providing strategic support and cooperation in the Black Sea region. However, under Putin’s influence, the country is becoming an increasingly important pawn in his foreign policy games. This shift represents not only a significant loss for freedom-loving Georgians but also a blow to European security.
**A Warning to EU Member States**
Juknevičienė has explicitly warned that Georgia’s fate could serve as a template for other EU member states if they do not take decisive action against the “infection” of authoritarianism. She called for immediate sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili and those responsible for the rigged elections and repression, labeling this move as a necessary investment in Europe’s future and security.
**De-Bidzinization: A Call to Action**
In a bold statement, Juknevičienė advocated for “De-Bidzinization” – a term that implies a concerted effort by the international community to reverse Georgia’s slide into authoritarianism. This would involve taking concrete steps to isolate and sanction those responsible for the current regime’s actions. By doing so, Europe can safeguard its interests, protect democratic values, and prevent similar scenarios from unfolding in other member states.
**Read More**
Read More @ www.interpressnews.ge
