PACE President: Georgian Govt’s decision to withdraw can hinder democracy

The President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), Theodoros Roussopoulos, has expressed regret over the Georgian Government’s decision to withdraw from the assembly, warning that the move could hinder democratic progress in the country.

“This threatens the dialogue that would have contributed to the improvement of democratic standards in Georgia,” Roussopoulos said in Strasbourg.

The announcement came hours after PACE adopted a resolution recognizing the mandate of the Georgian Dream delegation but imposing strict reservations and limitations.

The resolution, passed by 114 votes to 13, calls on the Georgian government to release political prisoners by April 2025 and to announce new parliamentary elections.

PACE stated that re-accreditation of the Georgian Dream delegation in April 2025 would be contingent on several conditions, including the organization of new, democratic parliamentary elections under strict international supervision, ensuring the political independence of state institutions and election administrations, an end to police brutality and human rights violations, the release of all political prisoners before the April 2025 session.

In response, ruling party officials Thea Tsulukiani and Givi Mikanadze announced from Strasbourg that Georgia would cease its participation in PACE. Later, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze dismissed the assembly’s decision as “absolutely absurd” in an interview with Georgian broadcaster Imedi.

“If the decision regarding the Georgian people and our country changes, of course, we will return to PACE, but in such a situation, there is no point in working today,” Kobakhidze said, adding that the resolution had “no essential significance” for Georgia.