Georgian PM calls PACE resolution on repeat elections absurd

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has said that the PACE resolution, calling on the republic's authorities to hold new parliamentary elections, absurd.

"This decision shows that the European bureaucracy is in a rather difficult situation. This concerns both Brussels and Strasbourg. And the latest manifestation of this was the injustice that we saw today. Even more than injustice, it was an absolutely absurd decision," Kobakhidze said in an interview with the Imedi TV channel called, Caliber.Az reports via Georgian media.

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has adopted a resolution addressing the political situation in Georgia following the disputed October 26, 2024, parliamentary elections. The resolution calls for the Georgian authorities to announce new parliamentary elections and release all political prisoners before PACE's next session in April 2025. Until these conditions are met, the Georgian delegation's credentials have been ratified with limitations, restricting their participation in certain Assembly activities.

In response, the Georgian parliamentary delegation has suspended its participation in PACE, labeling the Assembly's demands as "blackmail." Teia Tsulukiani, head of the Georgian delegation, stated that Georgia remains a member of the Council of Europe but will not engage with PACE until the Assembly changes its stance.

The opposition and civil society groups in Georgia have welcomed PACE's resolution. Tina Bokuchava, chair of the Unity-UNM coalition, emphasized that the resolution serves as a lever to overcome the political crisis, aiming for new elections and the release of political prisoners. Nino Dolidze, director of the election monitoring group ISFED, noted that PACE's conditions align with the demands of Georgian society.

The resolution also highlights concerns about violations of freedom of assembly and expression, as well as a crackdown on opposition and civil society, which contradict Georgia's obligations as a Council of Europe member. PACE has indicated that it will reconsider the credentials and rights of the Georgian delegation at its next session in April, based on the progress made in meeting the stipulated conditions.

By Khagan Isayev