French Minister says sanctions against Georgian Dream are on table, urges return to democratic path

French Minister for European Affairs Benjamin Haddad has warned that sanctions against Georgia’s ruling party, Georgian Dream, are being considered at both the European and national levels across EU member states.

In an interview with Georgian broadcaster TV Pirveli, Haddad expressed concern over the government’s recent political trajectory, citing “repression against the opposition, civil society, and NGOs,” as well as arrests of political opponents and electoral misconduct.

“What we’ve witnessed in recent months and years is that Georgian Dream has shifted toward repressing the opposition, civil society, and NGOs. We’ve seen political opponents detained and violence unfold. We’ve seen elections deemed unfair and, unfortunately, stolen—according to both the OSCE and the European Parliament,” Haddad said.

He stressed that as an EU candidate country, Georgia has a responsibility to uphold the rule of law, freedom of speech, and minority rights.

“This is why we stated clearly during the Foreign Affairs Council that we will not tolerate this democratic backsliding and are ready to take measures—both at the European and national levels—against individuals responsible,” he added.

According to Haddad, all options are currently on the table, including individual sanctions, the suspension of Georgia’s candidate status, and even visa-free travel with the EU.

Still, Haddad urged Georgian leaders to change course: “It is not too late to go in another direction and launch an inclusive dialogue with the opposition—bring people to the table and initiate a new process that could lead to early elections. This process must be based on mutual respect, freedom of expression, and the protection of human rights.”

He noted that French President Emmanuel Macron is personally concerned about Georgia’s situation, which is why he held a phone call with Georgian billionaire and ruling party patron Bidzina Ivanishvili last December. However, no follow-up call has taken place since.

“President Macron conveyed the same message I’m sharing now: we reject and condemn repression. We want an inclusive and peaceful political dialogue that could lead to new elections. This message will continue to be communicated through various diplomatic channels,” Haddad said.

“Georgia holds EU candidate status, and that comes with responsibilities—the obligation to respect the rule of law, judicial independence, media freedom, and opposition rights,” he concluded.