Imposing sanctions on Georgian officials a ‘lifeline’ to ‘fading protests’ by outgoing German Gov’t, ruling party MP

Levan Makhashvili, the Chairman of the Georgian Parliament’s European Integration Committee from the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Tuesday criticized Germany’s decision the previous day to impose entry bans on Georgian officials, calling it a “lifeline” to domestic “fading protests” and a “destructed” opposition groups.

The sanctions, which came in response to ongoing protests in Georgia following the GD Government’s decision last year to halt EU integration until 2028, targeted officials allegedly involved in recent crackdown on rallies, but their identities remain undisclosed.

Makhashvili speculated that “further details might emerge from non-governmental organizations in Estonia or Lithuania soon.”

In an interview with the Georgian Public Broadcaster, the GD MP also argued that the move was “politically motivated by the outgoing German government”, allegedly attempting to support opposition groups “that have lost momentum.”

Despite the sanctions, Makhashvili “reaffirmed Georgia’s commitment to fostering stronger relations with Germany”, emphasizing that “mutual interests and cooperation remain the Georgian government’s priority.”