In a report adopted on Wednesday by 490 votes in favour, 147 against with 49 abstentions, Parliament says the rigged October 2024 parliamentary elections in Georgia marked a clear turning point towards an authoritarian government in the EU candidate country. This flawed election paved the way, they say, for the ruling Georgian Dream party to illicitly capture state institutions and remove democratic safeguards, push ahead with repressive legislation while also cracking down on political opponents, journalists, and peaceful protesters.

With the Georgian government jeopardising the country’s EU accession path, MEPs renew their calls for new parliamentary elections in Georgia to take place under international and independent domestic monitoring. Until such a ballot is organised, Parliament will continue to not recognise Georgia’s current one-party parliament and president and call on the EU and member states to impose bilateral and coordinated personal sanctions against key…