Italian opposition lawmakers are calling on the European Union to take a firmer stance against Georgia’s ruling “Georgian Dream” party, urging the introduction of targeted sanctions in response to what they describe as an alarming erosion of democracy and human rights in the country.
At a press conference held on April 15, titled “Georgia’s Fight for Freedom, Rights, and Democracy,” Democratic Party MP Lia Quartapelle, along with fellow opposition deputies, warned that the Georgian government is actively distancing the country from European values and aligning it more closely with Russian-style authoritarianism.
MPs Benedetto Della Vedova and Riccardo Magi accused the ruling party of attempting to seize control over EU funds meant to support democracy, and of replicating tactics used by Belarus and the Kremlin. “What’s unfolding in Georgia echoes the path Belarus has already taken and resembles what Putin is trying to impose in Ukraine — a regime loyal to Moscow, not its own people,” they stated.
Lawmakers criticized the controversial “foreign agent” law reintroduced by the Georgian government, which they claim stigmatizes any contact with the West as a threat to national security. “This law targets those with even minimal links to democratic countries — branding them spies or enemies,” said Ivan Scalfarotto, former Deputy Interior Minister. “Yet the real betrayal comes from those in power, dragging Georgia away from its European path.”
Filippo Sensi, Vice President of Italy’s Human Rights Committee, called the situation in Georgia a warning sign for Europe. “Authoritarian regimes used to act in secret. Now they do so brazenly, with confidence and impunity — and Georgia is becoming a frontline in that battle.”
The Italian MPs revealed they are drafting two official documents: one seeking a formal interpellation of the Italian government regarding its interactions with Georgian Dream, and another resolution calling for sanctions on the party’s key figures. The proposed sanctions list may extend beyond the names already identified by the European Parliament.
