Lelo – Strong Georgia: Negotiations should begin between GD and opposition backed by majority in 2024 elections

Lelo – Strong Georgia says the country needs to begin a broad political dialogue aimed at de-escalating the internal political crisis. The party released a statement after a meeting of its leadership council.

According to the statement, responsible political negotiations should begin between Georgian Dream and those opposition parties that received the support of a majority of voters in the 2024 parliamentary elections.

“The current geopolitical environment around Georgia is extremely challenging and the regional conflicts increase security risks for the country. Against this background, the deep political crisis within the state weakens institutions and reduces the country’s ability to respond to external threats.

The country’s relations with its strategic partners have deteriorated, which has led to international isolation and further complicated the situation.

The report prepared under the Organization for Security and Co‑operation in Europe (OSCE) Moscow Mechanism confirms that Georgia is experiencing a serious political and legal crisis. This conclusion is the verdict of the international community toward Georgian Dream and directly indicates that under the current political course there is no prospect of establishing a unified and strong Georgian state with a stable and European future.

The way out of the current situation should include two key steps:

•  An agreement to hold new, free and fair parliamentary elections, which is the only way to reduce political polarization and restore democratic legitimacy.
• The release of political prisoners, which is necessary to reduce political tensions,” the statement reads.

The statement concludes that national consolidation, responsible political dialogue and a return to the path of European development are the only ways for Georgia to overcome the current crisis and strengthen its democratic institutions.