According to the statement, the elections “were held in a restricted environment, in the context of months of repression against civil society, independent media, and the political opposition by self-appointed officials of the Georgian Dream party.”“Georgia's local elections of 4 October 2025 took place in a restrictive environment, in the context of a months-long crackdown on civil society, independent media and political opposition by the self-appointed Georgian Dream authorities. We deplore the fact that the authorities effectively prevented the presence of credible election observers, with a late invitation to the OSCE/ODIHR and restrictions on civil society hampering observation by domestic organisations.We are concerned by the violent clashes in the streets following the elections and call for calm from all. We urge the Georgian Dream to stop its assault on democracy and respect the fundamental rights of freedom of assembly and expression, stop the arrests of protesters and release those arbitrarily detained. We also deplore the increasingly aggressive campaign against the EU, including personal attacks on the EU and Member State ambassadors, European politicians and individual Member States.We strongly denounce the Georgian Dream's declared intention to ban opposition parties, which would mark a new culmination of Georgia's slide towards an authoritarian regime. We reiterate our call on the EU and its Member States to take immediate action and to introduce personal sanctions against key Georgian Dream political leaders and officials responsible for democratic backsliding, electoral fraud, human rights violations and the persecution of political opponents and activists, in particular Bidzina Ivanishvili and Irakli Kobakhidze”, - the statement reads.In response to recent developments in Georgia, several senior Members of the European Parliament have issued a joint statement expressing their position on the situation.The statement was authored and signed by: David McAllister, Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) Mounir Satouri, Chair of the Subcommittee on Human Rights Sergey Lagodinsky, Chair of the Delegation to the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly Nils Ušakovs, Chair of the Delegation for Relations with the South Caucasus Rasa Juknevičienė, AFET Standing Rapporteur on Georgia

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According to the statement, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) expresses concern over the violent protests following Georgia’s recent local elections.“Peaceful protesters in Georgia continue to be detained, sentenced, and fined for exercising their rights. The authorities have an obligation to implement their OSCE human rights commitments and international obligations, including respect for the right to peaceful assembly”, said Maria Telalian, ODIHR Director. “I would like to urge once again the Georgian authorities to ensure that civil society and human rights defenders are not targeted and that their voices are heard, as their work is crucial in fostering a vibrant democratic society.”“Recent legislation restricting the work of civil society organizations continue to hinder their rights to freedom of association, peaceful assembly, and expression. As ODIHR noted last year in a legal review, the so-called ‘’foreign agents law’’ raises serious concerns, and it should be repealed.Georgia has committed to respect and protect the right to freedom of assembly in line with its international and OSCE human rights obligations. The detention, in recent months, of peaceful protesters, human rights defenders and opposition politicians, combined with the imposition of large fines for peaceful participation in assemblies goes against international human rights standards. As a general rule, law enforcement should avoid the use of force during public assemblies and facilitate them through dialogue and communication. In all circumstances, if force is used it must always be in accordance with the law, necessary, and proportionate to the needs of the situation.ODIHR also reiterates its regret that the invitation by the Georgian authorities to observe the local elections was issued less than a month before election day, leaving insufficient time for credible and meaningful observation in line with ODIHR’s established methodology. This has deprived the country’s citizens and institutions from an impartial, transparent, and comprehensive assessment.All OSCE states have recognized the importance of civil society to democracy and committed to ensuring the space necessary for meaningful and equal political participation. In line with its mandate, ODIHR stands ready to engage with Georgia and support the country in implementing its OSCE commitments with respect to the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the right to freedom of peaceful assembly,” the statement reads.

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“A sad day for democracy in Georgia. OSCE/ODIHR unable to observe local elections, recommendations unaddressed. Regrettable use of violence. Repressive laws and jailing opposition leaders further undermine trust in Georgia’s elections,” the statement added. A sad day for democracy in Georgia. OSCE/ODIHR unable to observe local elections, recommendations unaddressed. Regrettable use of violence. Repressive laws and jailing opposition leaders further undermine trust in Georgia’s elections. pic.twitter.com/q2xf4ztG4j — Norway MFA (@NorwayMFA) October 5, 2025 The elections, held on October 4, 2025, saw the Georgian Dream party win all 64 municipalities, with some results reportedly reaching 100%.The vote took place amid ongoing protests in Tbilisi. Observers noted that international and domestic monitoring was largely absent, raising concerns about transparency and fairness in the process.Following the elections, all five members of a local organizing committee were arrested. Those detained include Paata Burchuladze, leader of the Rustaveli Avenue movement; Murtaz Zodelava, former UNM official; Irakli Nadiradze of the National Movement; Paata Manjgaladze of Strategy Builder; and Colonel Lasha Beridze.

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According to the statement, the elections were held “amid a period of extensive crackdown on dissent.”“This Saturday in Georgia was the day of local elections, amid a period of extensive crackdown on dissent.Months of raids on independent media, the passing of laws targeting civil society, the jailing of opponents and activists or amendments to the electoral code favouring the ruling party, drastically reduced the possibility of having competitive elections. A large part of the opposition boycotted these elections, and the turnout was relatively low.In addition, the refusal by the Georgian authorities to invite international monitors in due time, in particular OSCE/ODIHR, undermined the transparency of the electoral process and prevented credible international monitoring. Domestic organisations also refrained from observing due to the repressive environment.Large numbers of people constantly protested the repressive policies of the governing party, Georgian Dream. We call for the release of all those arbitrarily detained.We urge calm and restraint in the post-election period and call on the authorities to uphold citizens’ rights to freedom of assembly and expression. A constructive and inclusive dialogue involving all political actors and civil society is essential, and we call on every side to refrain from violence.Finally, the European Union firmly rejects and condemns the disinformation regarding the EU’s role in Georgia and denounces the personal attacks against the Ambassador of the European Union to Georgia,” reads the statement released by the EU Delegation in Georgia.

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According to the statement, this memorandum has proved an excellent example of how two parties with different identities can achieve task-oriented collaboration.“This partnership is founded on equality, responsibility and coordination, which places the interests of Tbilisi’s and Georgia’s population above party interests. We have reached a particularly noteworthy agreement in Tbilisi, where we have presented agreed candidates for the mayoralty and city council chairmanship.The mayoral candidate, Irakli Kupradze, is a young, conscientious politician with an unblemished past and reputation, who has always stood on the front lines in struggles against various regimes. We are confident that Irakli, together with our joint team, will be a worthy, conscientious mayor of Tbilisi, whose primary concern will be improving the lives of each Tbilisi resident.The candidate for city council (Sakrebulo) chairman, Giorgi Sharashidze, is an experienced professional who has always stood and continues to stand as a guardian of Tbilisi’s interests through his principled approach.This memorandum has proved an excellent example of how two parties with different identities can achieve task-oriented collaboration,” reads the joint statement from Gakharia for Georgia and Lelo parties.

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His summons followed that of German Ambassador Peter Fischer, who was called to the ministry a day earlier, on September 24.According to the Foreign Ministry, Fischer was reminded of the Vienna Convention, with Georgian officials stressing that an ambassador should not interfere in the internal politics of a host state. The ministry also expressed concern about what it described as “attempts to promote a radical agenda.”Following the meeting, Fischer firmly rejected the accusations. Writing on social media, he stated that the responsibility for the deterioration of German-Georgian relations lies with the Georgian government and ruling party representatives, whom he accused of blocking Georgia’s European integration process.“I rebuffed the groundless attacks against me in detail, and I blamed the government and representatives of the Georgian Dream for the new low point in German-Georgian relations. Their actions and rhetoric caused this, and they are blocking the path leading to the European Union. They did not want to listen. I am not a radical. Germany remains a friend of Georgia,” he wrote.,” Fischer wrote.Diplomatic history underscores the significance of these developments. Since the establishment of relations with Germany in April 1992 and with the United Kingdom later that same month, this marks the first time ambassadors from both countries have been formally summoned by the Georgian Foreign Ministry.

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The delegation will be led by Bernd Föringer (Germany, EPP/CCE), President of the Chamber of Local Self-Government, and Stewart Dixon (United Kingdom, ILDG), the Congress’s spokesperson on the observation of local and regional elections. Expert Professor Tanya Gropp will accompany them.During the two-day visit, the delegation will hold meetings with the Chairman of the Central Election Commission, the First Deputy Public Defender, and the First Deputy Chairman of the Georgian Dream Committee on Regional Policy and Self-Government.They will also exchange views with Georgia’s National Delegation to the Congress, the National Association of Local Self-Government, as well as representatives of political parties, NGOs, and the media.The Council of Europe underlined that the visit should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the legitimacy or political positions of those involved in the discussions.

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The statement reads that disinformation misleads the public and undermines diplomatic missions.“We firmly reject the baseless and damaging accusations about the role and activities of some diplomatic missions in Georgia. Such disinformation misleads the public and undermines the possibility for our diplomatic missions to carry out our duties.For diplomats, meeting a broad range of actors – government, opposition, civil society and citizens at large – is a normal part of diplomatic work, and fully consistent with the Vienna Convention. We do not support any particular political party, and claims that we support violence and extremism are simply not true. As a matter of fact, we appeal to all actors to reject and condemn any form of violence.We urge all political leaders to refrain from divisive rhetoric and to work towards the de-escalation of tensions,” reads the statement by twenty-seven diplomatic missions.

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Mr Beraia previously served as Deputy Head of Georgia’s State Security Service and as Head of the Intelligence Service. He has also chaired the Defence and Security Committee and the Foreign Relations Committee within the Georgian Parliament. Additionally, he led the Georgian parliamentary delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.Beyond his parliamentary roles, Beraia has held key positions in the government, including Director of the National Investment Agency under the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, and Director of the Reforms and Development Agency within the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

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Wilson himself announced this development on social media.The proposed amendment explicitly states that the U.S. government and its agencies are prohibited from recognising the Georgian Dream government in Georgia. The measure is now set to be considered by the House of Representatives.“No Federal official or employee may take any action, and no Federal funds may be made available, to recognise or otherwise imply, in any manner, United States recognition of the current Georgian Dream-led Government in Georgia,” the amendment reads. I am so grateful that my GEORGIAN NIGHTMARE NON-RECOGNITION amendment has been ADOPTED for inclusion the State Department Authorization Act!Insulting America while embracing Communist China, Iran & Russia is a one-way ticket to isolation. pic.twitter.com/ue7H5cU65b — Joe Wilson (@RepJoeWilson) September 18, 2025 Congressman Joe Wilson is also the author of the MEGOBARI Act, a bill aimed at “imposing sanctions on individuals involved in activities that undermine Georgia’s democracy.”Furthermore, Democratic Congressman Steve Cohen stated before the Helsinki Commission on September 11: “It is unfortunate that the Senate did not pass, and it looks like they are not going to pass the MEGOBARI Act. There were some problems over there, and it might have been related to one particular business that is building a port. One individual was able to apparently kill it.”

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