European Parliament votes Georgia resolution

The European Parliament adopted a critical resolution during its October 8 plenary session condemning moves by Georgia’s ruling Georgian Dream party to ban domestic opposition parties. The measure passed with 445 votes in favor, 37 against, and 97 abstentions.

The resolution denounces efforts to outlaw opposition parties and formally demands the withdrawal of constitutional lawsuits filed against them. Furthermore, MEPs called on the European Union and member states to impose targeted personal sanctions on Georgian Dream founder Bidzina Ivanishvili, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, and Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze.