Macron, Tusk, and Merz Issue Joint Statement on Georgia's Independence Day Condemning Democratic Backsliding
By Liza Mchedlidze
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
On the occasion of Georgia's Independence Day, French President Emmanuel Macron, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz issued a joint statement sending a message of friendship and solidarity to the Georgian people while expressing serious concerns about the state of democracy in the country.
The joint statement reads: "On the occasion of the Independence Day of Georgia, we would like to send a message of friendship and solidarity to the Georgian people, and reiterate our unwavering support for the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of Georgia."
The European leaders affirmed their support for the democratic and European aspirations of the Georgian people, emphasizing that "these aspirations reflect a willingness to be part of the European family."
However, they also strongly condemned recent actions by Georgian authorities. The statement says, "We, therefore, condemn all activities of the Georgian authorities resulting in the democratic backsliding and the attacks against civil society, media and government critics. Freedom of expression and of assembly must be upheld. Reports of excessive violence must be investigated. Laws that contradict European standards must be amended and the much-needed reform process must be picked up again."
The statement further calls for renewed dialogue, saying, "The Georgian authorities need to re-establish a dialogue with opposition and civil society. The people of Georgia should not be deprived of the opportunities associated with the country's European path."
The message drew an immediate response from the ruling Georgian Dream party. Shalva Papuashvili, Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, condemned the statement, calling it "a shameful attack on the Georgian people and the Georgian state on their national holiday."
