Transparency International Georgia has criticized members of the ruling Georgian Dream party, stating that while their policies are putting the country’s visa-free access to the European Union at risk, they themselves are deepening personal ties with Europe.
“While Georgia risks losing its visa-free access to the European Union because of the Georgian Dream’s authoritarian policies, current and former members of the ruling party, as well as affiliated officials, are purchasing property in Europe, setting up businesses, and securing EU citizenship for their children,” the organization said in a statement published Tuesday.
The watchdog highlighted what it sees as a growing double standard—warning that while ordinary Georgians may face increasing barriers to travel, study, or work in Europe, elites are safeguarding their own European privileges through wealth and political connections.
TI Georgia’s warning comes amid growing concerns from EU officials over Georgia’s democratic backsliding and recent legislation seen as undermining civil society and media freedom.
The European Parliament has previously cautioned that Georgia’s visa-free regime could be suspended if democratic norms are further eroded.
