Rasa Juknevičienė: “Friends of Georgia” network calls for free elections and sanctions against Ivanishvili

Rasa Juknevičienė, a Member of the European Parliament, announced the first meeting of the “Friends of Georgia” network, a coalition of European, American, and Ukrainian MPs and experts dedicated to supporting Georgia’s return to democracy. The meeting was attended by Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili.

“This coalition of MPs and experts from Europe and the US is united to help Georgians reclaim their democratic voice and European path. The regime is weak, and Georgians are rising as never before. Europe’s solidarity with Georgia is vital,” said Juknevičienė.

The network outlined a series of demands and proposals aimed at resolving the ongoing political crisis in Georgia:

Key Demands:
1. Non-recognition of the October 2024 parliamentary elections.
2. Declaration of the current Georgian Parliament as illegitimate.
3. Recognition of Salome Zourabichvili as the only legitimately elected leader by the Georgian people.
4. Organization of new, free, and fair elections that all parties can trust.
Proposals for Action:
* Sanctions: Target Bidzina Ivanishvili and those responsible for undermining democracy at all levels.
* Diplomatic Engagement: Increase visits by state and government leaders to Georgia to push for new elections.
* Parliamentary Presence: Regular visits by MPs to maintain international attention.
* Major Conference in Tbilisi: Organize a large-scale international conference to focus on Georgia’s democratic path.
* Institutional Non-recognition: Deny parliamentary delegations from Georgia legitimacy in interparliamentary institutions.
* Media Support: Actively support pro-European narratives for Georgia across international media.
* Global Awareness: Ensure international media focuses on Georgia’s democratic struggle.
“The only legitimate voice of the people remains President Zourabichvili. Her term ends on December 29. It is crucial to act before then to prevent the regime from escalating into an open dictatorship,” Juknevičienė warned.

She also highlighted the potential for further escalation, cautioning that Ivanishvili’s regime might declare a state of emergency, detain President Zourabichvili, and openly shift toward authoritarian rule.

Juknevičienė underscored the importance of Lithuania’s leadership in the international effort to support Georgia. She announced that Lithuanian MP Dainius Žalimas will visit Tbilisi after Christmas, a critical step in strengthening international solidarity with Georgian democracy.

“We must ensure new, free, and fair elections with results that everyone can trust. This is not just about Georgia but about Europe standing firm for democratic values,” she concluded.

The meeting emphasized the urgency of international support to secure Georgia’s democratic future and its path toward European integration.