German FM: Responsibility lies with GD leaders, they must act swiftly to resolve political crisis
German FM: Responsibility lies with GD leaders, they must act swiftly to resolve political crisis

“The majority of Georgians want their country to continue on its European path. Europe is in their hearts, and the pro-European protests are their voice,” remarks statement by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, issued by the German Foreign Ministry.

In the statement regarding the current situation in Georgia, Baerbock emphasizes that the responsibility lies with the leaders of the Georgian Dream, and it is up to them to take the necessary actions to resolve the political crisis.

“Elderly women brave the freezing cold, undeterred by security forces’ batons. Young people confront water cannons armed only with European flags. Opposition leaders are brutally beaten and arrested. For weeks, tens of thousands of Georgians have courageously protested across the smallest villages and largest cities, all in pursuit of a European future for their country.

The majority of Georgians want their country to continue on its European path. Europe is in their hearts, and the pro-European protests are their voice. Yet, the leadership of the ruling Georgian Dream party responds with intimidation, violence, and the use of water cannons. Through its anti-European stance, Georgian Dream has intentionally stalled the EU accession process, effectively halting it. The European Union should now consider formally suspending Georgia’s accession talks due to the increasingly authoritarian policies of the Georgian Dream.

In December 2023, Georgia was granted EU candidate status, contingent upon clear reform promises. This was understood by the Georgian Dream leadership, yet instead of progress, concerning setbacks have emerged: elections criticized by international observers, excessive violence against demonstrators, the introduction of the so-called Transparency Law, and restrictions on LGBTQI rights. The Georgian Dream is, thus, squandering Georgia’s historic EU opportunity.

In recent weeks and months, Georgian Dream has increasingly distanced the country from the EU, undermining Georgia’s long-standing partnership with Germany. As a result, we’ve scaled back cooperation with Georgian authorities and suspended over 200 million euros in support projects. Simultaneously, we are consulting with our EU partners about possible further actions, including the withdrawal of visa-free travel for Georgian officials and implementing targeted sanctions.

The responsibility lies with the leaders of Georgian Dream. They must act swiftly to resolve the political crisis, regain the people’s trust, and provide a real future for Georgia—one that includes rejoining the EU accession path and, above all, ensuring a prosperous future for all Georgians,” the statement reads.