UK Ambassador: Georgian Dream should heed Western partners or risk autocracy

In a video address delivered in Georgian, the UK Ambassador to Georgia, Gareth Ward, has urged the Georgian Dream party to listen to Western partners who have supported the country in defending its sovereignty for decades. Ambassador Ward emphasized that Georgia has the potential to become a successful multi-party democracy in Europe, warning that the alternative is “autocracy.”

The ambassador referenced recent pro-European rallies across Georgia, which have been driven by public opposition to the Georgian Dream party’s decision to delay the country’s EU integration. He expressed shock over reports of violence used by police and informal groups against protesters, journalists, and opposition figures. “As our Foreign Minister has stated, this violence is unacceptable and must stop,” Ward stated.

Ambassador Ward also highlighted the UK’s response to the situation, recalling a statement by UK Foreign Secretary David Lamm, which announced the suspension of bilateral cooperation with the Georgian government.

This includes halting funding for Public Administration Reform, reconciliation efforts, and military programs like the Cyber Security Center construction. Political meetings and a strategic dialogue format have also been frozen.

The demonstrations, ongoing for 15 days, erupted following a statement by the Georgian Prime Minister on November 28. Protesters are demanding new parliamentary elections and the release of individuals they label as “political prisoners.” The protests were sparked by Georgian Dream’s decision to delay discussions on EU membership negotiations and to refuse EU budget grants until 2028.

Since November 28, more than 400 protesters have been arrested, over 30 under criminal charges that could result in lengthy prison sentences. Notably, no police officers have been detained, including those accused of violence against journalists reporting live from the demonstrations.