Estonia’s Mihkelson: ‘Georgia is not democratic country under Ivanishvili’s regime

Marko Mihkelson, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Estonian Parliament, has expressed strong criticism of the current political situation in Georgia, stating that the country is not functioning as a democracy.

“Unfortunately, the situation in Georgia is dire. Today, Georgia is not a democratic country—it is under the control of one party and one oligarch, a dictator. This is incompatible with EU criteria,” Mihkelson said.

He accused ruling party founder Bidzina Ivanishvili’s regime of maintaining power through unfair elections, repression, intimidation, violence, and persecution of those demanding fair elections and a European future for the country. Mihkelson likened these methods to those employed by totalitarian regimes such as Belarus.

“The Georgian Dream regime conducted elections in an unfair environment and uses all means to retain power. This includes oppressing peaceful demonstrators who have been protesting for 60 days. This is a clear signal to the international community—Georgia and its people need help now,” he stated.

Mihkelson emphasized that holding new elections is the only way out of the crisis, asserting that under the Georgian Dream’s leadership, the country cannot achieve its European aspirations and risks falling under Russian influence.

“Georgian people deserve new elections to express their will. In Brussels, the question is being raised: what can we do for Georgia and its people?” Mihkelson noted, adding that EU Foreign Ministers are set to discuss visa restrictions for Georgian diplomats on Monday.

However, he argued that visa restrictions alone are insufficient and called for personal sanctions against the leaders of the Georgian Dream regime, starting with Bidzina Ivanishvili and extending to those involved in violence against peaceful protesters.

“These personal sanctions are essential and would be the most effective step to support Georgia’s democratic aspirations,” Mihkelson concluded.