The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Special Representative on the South Caucasus Luís Graça (Portugal) today expressed concern regarding recent developments in Georgia during and following the 4 October local elections and the subsequent unrest amid announced efforts to overturn the government.

According to the statement, released by the OSCE PA press service, Luís Graça calls on the Georgian government to respect the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression and “to ensure that civil society can operate freely and without fear.”

“I am deeply concerned about the growing tensions and violence that have followed the local elections in Georgia,” said Special Representative Luís Graça, echoing the recent statement by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), calling on the Georgian authorities to fully respect the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, and to ensure that civil society can operate freely and without fear.

“The OSCE PA underscores that democratic governance must rest on law, accountability and peaceful political dialogue,” Graça continued. “At this sensitive moment, I urge all stakeholders to refrain from any form of violence and I call on all political forces to commit to working through legitimate political processes.”

The Special Representative recalled the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s Porto Declaration, adopted in July 2025, in which the Assembly voiced concern over democratic backsliding, restrictions on civil society and media, and the need to safeguard Georgia’s European aspirations through genuine democratic reform.

“The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly remains committed to supporting all political actors and civil society in their efforts to de-escalate tensions, strengthen democratic institutions and restore public confidence through dialogue and adherence to OSCE commitments,” Graça concluded.