Georgia's Prime Minister announced on Thursday that the country is halting talks on its bid to join the European Union for four years due to what he described as 'blackmail and manipulation' from certain EU politicians. This decision comes in the wake of a disputed parliamentary election last month that has led to protests and an opposition boycott of parliament.
The October 26 election, viewed as a crucial moment for Georgia's EU aspirations, was marred by allegations of rigging and interference from Russia. European election observers noted instances of bribery, double voting, and violence, leading to a divisive atmosphere.
The European Union had previously paused discussions on Georgia's accession due to concerns over democratic backsliding. The Prime Minister stated that while Georgia remains committed to EU membership, negotiations will not be revisited until the end of 2028. Additionally, the country will reject any EU budgetary grants until the same timeframe.
The European Parliament recently condemned the Georgian election as neither free nor fair, attributing responsibility to the ruling party. EU lawmakers called for a rerun of the vote within a year under international supervision and urged sanctions against the Georgian government.
Critics have accused the ruling Georgian Dream party of authoritarianism and pro-Russian tendencies, citing recent laws restricting freedom of speech and LGBTQ+ rights. The EU had suspended Georgia's membership application process earlier this year over concerns about a law targeting foreign-funded organizations.
President Salome Zourabichvili, whose term ends soon, has rejected the election results and refused to acknowledge the parliament's legitimacy. Constitutional changes in Georgia have shifted the presidential election process from a popular vote to a selection by an electoral college dominated by the ruling party.
The ruling party has nominated a former national team player for the upcoming presidential vote, likely to be controlled by the party. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of upholding traditional values amidst the ongoing political turmoil.
