The European Union has expressed concern over recent statements by Georgia’s ruling party over the potential banning of opposition parties for alleged “past crimes” if they secure a constitutional majority in the October 26 general elections.
Peter Stano, a spokesman for the EU’s external affairs service, told Politico this week such actions could jeopardize Georgia’s EU accession process.
Stano emphasized the EU was “closely monitoring” the situation and was prepared to respond if necessary. “The current course of action threatens Georgia’s path to the European Union and could lead to the suspension of the accession process,” he said. However, he also noted that the door to membership remained open “if Georgia aligns with EU values and addresses recent negative trends.”
Stano also pointed to the importance of political pluralism and the role of opposition parties, civil society, and independent media in ensuring democratic accountability.
In its election messaging, the ruling Georgian Dream party has pledged to prosecute the United National Movement, the former ruling party, and “satellite groups” for alleged crimes related to the Russia-Georgia 2008 war.
The party also plans to ban alleged LGBT propaganda to “protect” the country’s youth and implement changes to “prepare” the country for the “restoration” of its territorial integrity. Additionally, the party has announced plans to advance another initiative of “national importance” in the near future.
