Resolution on Georgia tabled by UNM at the IDU Executive Meeting in Wellington, NZ

Having regard to the strong will and European aspirations of the Georgian people clearly demonstrated on many occasions to the Georgian authorities and the whole international community;

Having regard to the 9 steps laid out by the European Commission in its 2023 Communication on EU Enlargement Policy stressing the need for the relevant reforms to be implemented in order to address the disinformation and manipulation against the European Union and its values, and ensure the broad involvement in decision-making process, and free and safe operation of the civil society in Georgia;

Whereas, during mass public protests in March 2023, the Georgian people have expressed their strong opposition to the so-called “Foreign Agents Law” introduced by the ruling Georgia Dream in order to curb the work of civil society organizations and silence critical voices in Georgia;

Whereas, the IDU supported and welcomed the European Council decision to grant Georgia the European Union membership candidate status on the understanding that essential democratic reforms are implemented;

Whereas, the re-introduction of the Russian-style Foreign Agents Law is against the democratic principles and a blatant breach of Georgia’s commitment to its European integration;

The International Democracy Union:

• Commends the Georgian society for their resolute fight for democracy and European future;
• Is very concerned about the growing authoritarian tendencies of the Georgian authorities reflected in their efforts to suppress the civil society and intensify the anti-Western disinformation campaign;
• Considers the re-introduction of the “Foreign Agents Law” as another step to consolidate the oligarchic rule and reduce the public scrutiny following the total state capture and erosion of democratic institutions, particularly the judiciary and electoral administration by the ruling party, that further distances the country from the West and undermines the prospects of Georgia’s European and Euro-Atlantic integration;
• Urges the Georgian authorities to withdraw the “Foreign Agents Law” that will lead to surpression of the civil society and disruption of the international aid for democracy-building, and thus include Georgia in the ranks of authoritarian countries;
• Reiterates its call on the authorities to implement the steps required by the European Union – to protect human rights and ensure the independence and impartiality of the judiciary.
• Calls for immediate release of former President Mikheil Saakashvili, kept in Georgian prison, and Lazare Grigoriadis, arrested during the anti-Russian Law protest in March 2023.

As a global union of conservative and centre-right political forces, the IDU reiterates its strong support for Georgia’s European and Euro-Atlantic integration and the Georgian people’s fight for their free and democratic future.