Weimar Triangle urges to investigate “irregularities” in Georgian elections

The leaders of the Weimar Triangle countries - Germany, Poland and France - in a joint statement called for a speedy investigation into alleged irregularities in Georgia's parliamentary elections.

They also called on the Georgian authorities to revise the laws that do not comply with “European values,” Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

“We are concerned about the parliamentary elections in Georgia, in particular the numerous violations and intimidation of voters, which negatively affected public confidence in the electoral process. We call for a prompt and transparent investigation into all reports of violations and look forward to studying the final report of the international mission, which should be prepared in due time,” the statement reads.

The three leaders expressed support for the “European aspirations” of the people of Georgia and called for dialogue with all political forces and representatives of civil society, as well as support for the freedom of peaceful assembly in the country. They also recalled the European Council's statement that “Georgia is deviating from the European path.”

“If Georgia does not change course by demonstrating concrete reform efforts, in particular by repealing recently adopted laws contrary to European values and principles, we will not be able to support the opening of accession negotiations of this country to the EU,” the statement notes.

In the October 26 parliamentary elections in Georgia, the ruling party, Georgian Dream - Democratic Georgia, secured 54.08 per cent of the vote, granting it the mandate to form a government independently.

Four opposition parties also passed the 5 per cent threshold required for parliamentary representation: Coalition for Change with 10.92 per cent, Unity - National Movement with 10.12 per cent, Strong Georgia with 8.78 per cent, and Gakharia for Georgia with 7.76 per cent. However, all opposition parties that gained seats in parliament have rejected the election results.

Georgia's relations with the European Union and the United States took a significant downturn in the spring when the ruling Georgian Dream party introduced and subsequently passed the controversial "Transparency of Foreign Influence" law in parliament. Despite strong opposition from the West, which urged the Georgian government not to pass the legislation, the ruling party proceeded with it.

In addition to this, the government also passed a law banning LGBT propaganda, aligning with Russia's stance, which considers the LGBT movement to be extremist and has outlawed it.

In response to these actions and the government's increasingly harsh rhetoric against the West, the EU announced that it would suspend Georgia's integration process, halting the opening of accession negotiations.

By Vafa Guliyeva