In a sharply worded statement, Member of the European Parliament Richards Kols warned that Georgia is “sliding into authoritarianism,” citing the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party’s controversial new legislation targeting foreign-funded NGOs, media outlets, and civic groups.
“The new GD law blocks foreign aid to NGOs, media, and civic groups—unless approved by the regime trying to silence them,” Kols said. “This is state capture. Straight out of Lukashenka’s playbook.”
The European Parliament, Kols noted, has rejected Georgia’s upcoming 2024 elections as illegitimate, urging the country to hold new elections within a year.
Calling for decisive action, Kols urged the European Union to impose sanctions, conduct a full policy reset, and abandon any illusions about Georgian Dream’s intentions. “The EU must act,” he stressed.
The comments come amid growing concerns about democratic backsliding in Georgia, where civic groups and opposition parties have been sounding the alarm over increased pressure from the government.
