The Resistance Platform urges French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk—representatives of the Weimar Triangle—to take decisive action alongside other allies to peacefully resolve Georgia’s crisis.
In its appeal, the platform emphasizes the need for democratic solutions, including the strengthening of sanctions and the organisation of new parliamentary elections, as essential steps toward stability and reform in Georgia.
Full text of the appeal:
“We, the Resistance Platform—an alliance of pro-Western political parties coordinated by President Salome Zourabichvili—speak on behalf of the Georgian people, who stand firmly on the cusp of democracy, freedom, and European integration. We wish to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your supportive and solidarity message commemorating Georgia’s Independence Day. Your unwavering backing of Georgia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and Euro-Atlantic aspirations—especially in these challenging times—means a great deal to us.
Your support for our democratic and European ambitions, which embody the core values and identity of our nation, carries profound moral and political significance. Your message serves as a powerful reminder of European society’s solidarity in Georgia’s pursuit of a democratic, stable, and prosperous future.
Recent developments—including the rollback of democratic reforms, escalating repression against civil society, independent media, and political opposition, as well as the de facto regime’s targeted efforts to divert Georgia from its European course—fundamentally contradict the principles of democratic accountability and broad public consensus. This dangerous trajectory, unfolding at Europe’s doorstep, only serves the interests of Georgia’s enemies. Meanwhile, Russia is intensifying its hybrid war against Georgia, leveraging the de facto regime to advance Moscow’s strategic objectives.
We remain loyal to the Georgian people’s European choice and strive for a democratic resolution of the current crisis. To achieve this goal, we believe the following steps are necessary:
Development of a consistent and appropriate policy framework toward Georgia at the EU level – A results-oriented plan is needed to overcome the current crisis, with clear conditions that simultaneously encourage progress and ensure accountability within strictly set deadlines in case of non-compliance;
Sanctions policy – Targeted sanctions have already impacted the regime’s power vertical, as evidenced by the departure of key figures from Bidzina Ivanishvili’s circle, including Irakli Garibashvili, Grigol Liluashvili, and most recently, Vakhtang Gomelauri, who has been designated under the U.S. Magnitsky Act and the UK’s Global Human Rights sanctions list. The Georgian people anticipate that these sanctions will be further intensified, as they serve to impede the regime’s consolidation of authoritarian control and diminish its influence.
Organization of new, free and fair parliamentary elections – Elections must be held in a truly open and democratic environment and all failures of the October 2024 elections must be eliminated. Clear conditions and guarantees have been defined to restore the democratic legitimacy of relevant institutions and trust in the electoral process, and agreement on them and their meticulous implementation is essential;
Roadmap for restoring democratic governance in Georgia and Georgia’s European course – Collective effort is necessary for rapid return to democratic norms and restoration of the integration process with the European Union, including implementation of the Georgia-EU Association agenda;
Support for civil society, independent media, and democratic opposition – Under current conditions of persecution and financial pressure, constant support is important to preserve independent voices and stop the drift toward authoritarianism;
Immediate and unconditional release of political prisoners – All political prisoners who fought for freedom and democracy in Georgia and became victims of the regime for raising their voices against autocratic governance must be released immediately and unconditionally.
We firmly believe that these measures are essential not only to address the current crisis but also to reaffirm Georgia’s commitment to the values and standards that underpin Europe. With the utmost respect, we call upon you—the countries of the Weimar Triangle—and our other allies to take a leading role in facilitating a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis in Georgia.
Once again, we thank you for your steadfast support for the Georgian people. Your solidarity strengthens us and instils hope, especially during times when principled international engagement is more crucial than ever.
With sincere gratitude,
Salome Zourabichvili
On behalf of the parties included in the Resistance Platform – Droa, Federalists, Lelo, Strategy Aghmashenebeli, Freedom Square, European Georgia, Girchi – More Freedom,” states the Resistance Platform’s appeal.
French President Emmanuel Macron, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz issued a joint statement on Georgia’s Independence Day, expressing support for the country’s democratic and European aspirations.
