The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe this week called on Georgian authorities to resume an inclusive political dialogue at all levels of government and with all relevant stakeholders, including local authorities, opposition parties, and civil society. Such dialogue is crucial to reduce political polarization, restore the necessary checks and balances in a pluralist democracy, and regulate the participation rights of the opposition. These steps are essential for creating the conditions for a democratic environment ahead of the 2025 local elections.
In a resolution and recommendation based on a report presented by Cecilia Dalman Eek (Sweden, SOC/G/PD) and Bernd Vöhringer (Germany, SOC/G/PD) on 26 March 2025 during its 48th session, the Congress expressed concern over the rapid democratic backsliding observed in Georgia over the past two years, which has increasingly affected local democracy.
The Congress highlighted that the marginalization of the opposition and the absence of dialogue with the ruling authorities have resulted in the de facto absence of political pluralism, even within municipal councils. This situation has led to an excessive concentration of power by the ruling party, prompting the opposition to boycott decision-making bodies.
As a result, the erosion of democratic principles, the rule of law, and human rights has led to a significant loss of public trust in democratic institutions, particularly among the youth. This situation has further damaged local democracy, which is not conducive to holding the 2025 local elections in an environment based on trust.
The Congress called on Georgian authorities to take the following actions: repeal legislation that violates human rights, particularly the Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence; avoid any actions that hinder the essential work of civil society; investigate arbitrary arrests and violent actions against non-violent protesters and journalists at the local level; release those who have been detained; and ensure that sanctions related to public demonstrations are lawful and proportional. Additionally, the Congress called for the repeal of the controversial amendments to the Law on Public Service and the reintegration of local public service employees dismissed based on these provisions.
The Congress also urged Georgian authorities to repeal the amendments to the Electoral Code adopted in December 2024, carry out necessary legislative reforms to address identified shortcomings, and prevent cases of voter intimidation, pressure on public employees, vote buying, and electoral violence.
Furthermore, the Congress called on the National Association of Local Authorities of Georgia to ensure that it serves as the representative body for all local authorities, not just those where the ruling party holds a majority of seats.
The Congress reaffirmed that local and regional authorities play a crucial role in upholding and defending democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, not only within their communities but also as part of the system of checks and balances that forms the foundation of a genuine pluralistic democracy.
The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities is an institution of the Council of Europe, responsible for strengthening local and regional democracy in its 46 member states. Composed of two chambers – the Chamber of Local Authorities and the Chamber of Regions – and three committees, it brings together 612 elected officials representing more than 130,000 local and regional authorities.
By Team GT
