Zourabichvili-led platform appeals to Weimar Triangle for sanctions, new elections in Georgia

A platform of Georgian opposition parties led by fifth President Salome Zourabichvili on Friday appealed to the leaders of France, Germany, and Poland, calling for targeted sanctions and the organisation of new parliamentary elections amid “concerns over democratic backsliding.”

In a joint statement addressed to French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, the Platform of Resistance thanked the Weimar Triangle leaders for their recent messages of support on Georgia’s Independence Day. The bloc urged them to take concrete action to safeguard Georgia’s democratic trajectory and Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

"We appreciate your unwavering support for Georgia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and European path - especially in these difficult times," the statement read. It warned, however, that recent political developments in Georgia “threaten to derail the country’s progress,” citing a "de facto regime’s" repression of civil society, media, and the political opposition.

The Platform of Resistance, which includes the parties Droa, Federalists, Lelo, Strategy Agmashenebeli, Freedom Square, European Georgia, and Girchi – More Freedom, called for:

A results-driven EU policy framework with enforceable benchmarks;

Tougher sanctions against key figures in the ruling elite;

Free and fair elections to replace the contested October 2024 vote;

A clear roadmap to restore democratic governance and EU integration;

Sustained support for civil society and independent media;

The immediate release of political prisoners.

The group credited earlier sanctions for the resignations of top officials linked to Georgian Dream founder Bidzina Ivanishvili, including former Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, security chief Grigol Liluashvili, and most recently Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri - who has been sanctioned by both the US and UK.

"This dangerous trajectory, unfolding at Europe’s doorstep, only serves the interests of its enemies," the statement warned. "Your support strengthens us and gives us hope at a time when principled international engagement is of paramount importance."