The Bureau of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe has adopted the following statement:
"The Congress Bureau calls on the government of Georgia to fully respect European standards in human rights, democracy and the rule of law, paving the way to free and fair repeat elections at the national level, free and fair elections at the local level and the just treatment of all Georgians, including locally elected representatives.
"Following a visit to the country by the Congress President, 1st and 2nd Vice-Presidents and Secretary General (3-4 February) and building on previous statements, the Bureau is clear that the Georgian authorities should begin by taking immediate steps to address the extreme political and social polarization that is harming their country. They should ensure the independence of law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, and all public institutions. Public servants at local and national levels have been removed from their positions for political reasons. This practice must stop.
"Similarly, everyone should be allowed to exercise their democratic rights to freedom of expression and freedom of assembly and association. Peaceful protest is integral to democratic societies. Those currently detained for their non-violent participation in protests against the government should therefore be released. This includes national and local politicians and journalists such as Mzia Amaglobeli, about whom the Congress expresses its specific concern.
"In taking this approach, the Georgian government must change its position and make clear its commitment to genuine, open and constructive dialogue with the opposition. This return to democratic norms and standards should ensure the trust required for the opposition to engage with the government and to end their boycott of institutions. In turn, this should pave the way to new national elections, based on European standards and the recommendations made by international observers notably following the elections held in October 2024, and also facilitate progress towards free and fair local elections. In this respect, the Georgian authorities should cooperate with the Venice Commission on the opinion requested by the Congress on the most recent amendments to the Electoral Code. The next local elections are due to be held in October of this year. Holding them under the current conditions poses the risk of exacerbating the situation. Therefore, without a substantive change in the political environment, those elections should be postponed.
"The Bureau believes in a democratic, European future that serves the interests of all Georgians. This requires the participation of all political actors, at every level of government, including the ruling party and the opposition and civil society to resume the dialogue.
"The Congress stands ready to provide whatever support possible in achieving that end. There will be a debate on Georgia during the next Congress session to be held on 25-27 March 2025."
