Nacho Sánchez Amor: Georgian Dream has surpassed even most authoritarian states in speed of democratic backsliding

Georgian Dream has surpassed even the most authoritarian countries in the speed of its democratic backsliding, said Nacho Sánchez Amor, Member of the European Parliament, stressing that there is no need to choose between freedom and prosperity - “we can have both”.

“It is very disappointing to see that while the wife of one of the country’s influential rulers attends Paris Fashion Week, representatives of civil society are struggling to survive on their own limited resources,” the MEP said.

He noted the European Commission must use the new mechanism designed to hold corrupt and anti-democratic actors accountable.

“In Tbilisi, everyone told us this is what can truly change the situation, the regime’s real fear lies in losing its privileges. Those who have stolen money from the state and its people should no longer be able to spend it for their pleasure in Europe. The EU could, for instance, target and impose sanctions on all prosecutors involved in shameful cases. They must feel the consequences, otherwise this will not work,” Sánchez Amor noted.

He added that while top leaders are aware of the risks tied to their positions, real pressure on the regime begins when mid-level figures are included in sanction lists. “They will start complaining to their superiors. That’s when the system starts to shake,” he said.

“The problem lies in the hidden agenda - when Georgian Dream, after its so-called victory, admitted it would not pursue European integration. The party has now outpaced even the most authoritarian states in terms of democratic regression. There is no need to choose between freedom and prosperity, we can and must have both,” the MEP concluded.