‘Local democracy in Georgia under threat’ – Council of Europe Congress resolution

The Council of Europe has issued a strongly worded resolution concerning georgia, expressing serious concerns about the state of local democracy within the nation. Ninety-seven members supported the resolution, while twelve voted against, highlighting the gravity of the situation. The resolution cites rapid democratic backsliding, one-party dominance in local authorities, and the failure to implement prior recommendations as key issues.

Alongside this, the European Parliament adopted a resolution demanding the immediate release of all political prisoners. The assessment indicates that the challenges to georgia’s democratic system are systemic, impacting both institutional structures and the broader political landscape. High political polarization, coupled with control over local authorities and a lack of implemented international recommendations, are central to the concerns.

Specifically, the 2025 municipal elections drew criticism for a dearth of political dialogue and competition, alongside problematic electoral legislation and insufficient female representation. Allegations of pressure on opposition leaders, including bans and intimidation, further fueled the debate. The resolution noted the absence of international observation missions, including the Council of Europe’s, during the 2025 elections, alongside restrictions on observer rights, diminishing transparency.

The Congress urged the Georgian Dream party to end the criminalization of opposition voices, repeal restrictive amendments, and implement recommendations from the Venice Commission. They called for the restoration of genuine local democracy aligned with the European Charter of Local Self-Government and the repeal of legislation violating human rights. Despite the criticism, the Council of Europe remains open to continued cooperation, including through a monitoring mission, to assess compliance with the Charter.

Topics: #georgia #local #council