MEP Michał Wawrykiewicz: Bidzina Ivanishvili linked to Russia’s authoritarian regime

European Parliament Member Michał Wawrykiewicz has stated that Bidzina Ivanishvili, Georgia’s former Prime Minister and founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party, is linked to the authoritarian regime in Russia, which continues to exert influence over the country.

In his remarks, Wawrykiewicz expressed support for Georgia’s opposition’s calls for free elections and reaffirmed the legitimacy of President Salome Zourabichvili.

“We stand with the Georgian people in their pursuit of freedom and their aspirations to join the European Union and the transatlantic community. It is well known that the elections were rigged and conducted under Russia’s influence. Here in Georgia, we support the opposition and their demand for future free elections. We also recognize President Salome Zourabichvili as the only legitimate president of Georgia. Our presence here signifies not only the European Parliament’s vision and resolutions but also our personal stance. We come from countries that have experienced Russia’s influence and understand the methods they use. That is why we are here to support the entire Georgian society,” Wawrykiewicz stated.

When asked by journalists about the possibility of the EU imposing sanctions on Ivanishvili, Wawrykiewicz responded that no decision had been made yet.

“As my colleague mentioned, this decision lies with European institutions—not just the European Parliament, but also the Commission and the Council. We will work on this issue, fully supporting the U.S. administration’s decision. This sends a clear message to the world that elections in Georgia were stolen, and that Bidzina Ivanishvili is linked to Russia’s authoritarian regime, which continues to attempt full control of the country,” Wawrykiewicz concluded.