Recent developments in Georgia raise serious concerns, says OSCE PA President Poturaiev

OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Mykyta Poturaiev has raised concerns over recent developments in Georgia, calling on authorities to ensure that political parties and civil society can exercise their rights freely.

Mykyta Poturaiev echoed the ongoing proceedings in the Constitutional Court of Georgia seeking to ban five opposition political parties.

“These developments raise serious concerns regarding political pluralism, democratic competition and fundamental freedoms. The ability of citizens to freely express their political preferences and choose among genuine political alternatives is fundamental to democracy,” he said.

According to the OSCE PA President, he respects Georgia’s constitutional processes and the independence of its judiciary, but underlines that “restrictions on political parties must meet the highest standards of legality, necessity and proportionality.”

“The prohibition of political parties is an exceptional measure, justifiable only under the most stringent conditions. Political differences should be addressed through democratic institutions, dialogue and elections, rather than through the exclusion of political opponents from public life,” he said.

Mykyta Poturaiev further said that in the Hague Declaration adopted in July 2026, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly already explicitly expressed concern about attempts to ban major opposition parties, reaffirmed its support for political pluralism and inclusive democratic processes, and urged the Georgian authorities to refrain from politically motivated prosecutions. The Declaration further called for the prompt and full implementation of the recommendations of the OSCE Moscow Mechanism.

The OSCE PA President explained that Georgia, like every OSCE participating State, has undertaken commitments to uphold democracy, fundamental freedoms, the rule of law and political pluralism. “These commitments must be respected and implemented without exception,” he stated.

The statement reads that during a high-level delegation’s visit to Tbilisi in March 2026, meetings were held with the authorities, opposition parties and civil society. The delegation also raised the situation of detained demonstrators, appealing for the release of those who had already served more than half of their sentences as a humanitarian and confidence-building measure.

Based on the statement, more recently, in a letter addressed to the Georgian authorities, the Assembly’s Special Representative Luís Graça, reiterated the importance of respecting democratic opposition and preserving genuine electoral alternatives. “These efforts reflect our conviction that concerns must be addressed through open communication, meaningful dialogue and concrete steps towards restoring public trust,” he said.

Mykyta Poturaiev calls upon the Georgian authorities to ensure that political parties and civil society can exercise their rights freely and to implement the recommendations of the OSCE Moscow Mechanism, while giving serious consideration to those of the Venice Commission as well. According to him, the Georgian authorities bear a particular responsibility to foster an environment in which political competition can take place freely and all democratic voices can be heard.

“I therefore call upon the Georgian authorities to ensure that political parties and civil society can exercise their rights freely and to implement the recommendations of the OSCE Moscow Mechanism, while giving serious consideration to those of the Venice Commission as well. The Georgian authorities bear a particular responsibility to foster an environment in which political competition can take place freely and all democratic voices can be heard.

I further encourage the Georgian authorities and all political actors to engage in meaningful dialogue, exercise restraint and refrain from any violence and inflammatory rhetoric. The recommendations of ODIHR following the 2024 parliamentary elections provide a concrete basis for rebuilding confidence and pursuing democratic reform.

The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, including through its Special Representative on the South Caucasus, remains committed to engaging with all relevant stakeholders and stands ready to support parliamentary dialogue and practical steps towards restoring trust and strengthening democratic institutions.

Political pluralism, respect for fundamental freedoms and meaningful dialogue are indispensable to Georgia’s democratic future. The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly remains committed to supporting the people of Georgia and their democratic aspirations and we reiterate our unwavering support for Georgia’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders,” he said.