OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Adopts Resolution Urging Georgia to Uphold Democratic Values
By Liza Mchedlidze
Friday, July 4, 2025
The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly adopted a resolution on July 3 calling on the Georgian Dream government to de-escalate political tensions and recommit to democratic principles and European integration. The resolution was passed during the Assembly's 32nd annual session in Porto and follows mounting international concern over Georgia's democratic backsliding.
The resolution urges the Georgian authorities to restore public trust in democracy through open dialogue, respect freedoms of assembly and expression, refrain from using force against peaceful protesters, and return to the path of EU membership. It also reaffirmed the Assembly's support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
"The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly confirms its support for Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty within its internationally recognized borders," the resolution states. It further calls on the Russian Federation to withdraw its recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, comply with the 2008 EU-mediated ceasefire agreement, and end its military presence in Georgia's occupied regions.
The resolution follows reports of repression by the Georgian Dream government, including violent crackdowns on peaceful protests in November and December 2024, the imprisonment of political opponents and journalists, raids on opposition offices, and the passage of controversial legislation. The Assembly expressed alarm over Georgia's 2024 parliamentary elections, which it said were marred by widespread violations.
"There was an unprecedented use of administrative resources," the resolution notes, adding that this "undermines the principles of freedom, equality, and the legitimacy of the election results."
It strongly condemned the "disproportionate use of force against peaceful protesters, who are standing firm for the European and democratic future of Georgia," and said it was "disturbed by politically motivated prosecutions of journalists, activists, and opposition figures."
The Assembly criticized recently passed laws on "foreign agents," "radio and television," and "grants," stating that authorities "are using all means possible to consolidate power." It also raised concern about increasing anti-EU rhetoric and Georgia's growing ties with Russia and China, calling these trends "completely unacceptable."
In the lead-up to the Porto session, U.S. Representative Joe Wilson, co-chair of the Helsinki Commission, urged Portugal to deny visas to Georgian officials attending the meeting. Wilson cited the Georgian Dream government's "anti-democratic" policies as justification. He was joined by several other American and European lawmakers.
Nikoloz Samkharadze, chair of the Georgian Parliament's Foreign Relations Committee, was present at the session and pushed back against criticism of the government. He denounced Wilson's comments as a "shameful act" that contradicted OSCE principles and rejected the resolution's claims.
"If today the content of election observation reports can be distorted, lies can be spread, and attackers armed with fireworks and Molotov cocktails can be labeled as peaceful citizens, then tomorrow we may be called elephants - and if the majority likes the term, such absurdity might make it into a resolution," Samkharadze said, according to a statement released by the Georgian Parliament.
