On December 15, 2024, four major opposition parties in Georgia submitted a joint appeal to the European Union, urging it to recognize the ruling regime formed after recent parliamentary elections as illegitimate. The appeal, addressed to EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell, highlights an unprecedented political crisis in the country.
The opposition claims that the government has responded to peaceful protests with organized violence, resulting in over 500 arrests and more than 300 victims of violence, including 73 journalists. They criticized the election of Mikheil Kavelashvili as president, noting his pro-Russian stance and his leadership of the movement that initiated a controversial foreign agents law.
The letter calls for immediate EU action, including recognition of the regime as illegitimate and the imposition of personal sanctions against those undermining democracy in Georgia. The opposition also demands a reevaluation of visa policies for pro-Russian officials and a public condemnation of violent actions against protesters.
In response to Kavelashvili's appointment, current President Salome Zourabichvili stated she would not resign, deeming the parliamentary elections illegitimate. She has called for new elections, asserting that only she holds legitimate power in the country.
Kavelashvili was elected through indirect elections, where a parliamentary electoral college selected him. This college consisted of 300 members, with 211 from the ruling party, Georgian Dream, which is allegedly linked to oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili. Kavelashvili's inauguration is scheduled for December 29.
Earlier in December, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania announced individual travel bans for members of the Georgian Dream party and sanctions against those who suppressed demonstrators during protests in Tbilisi. The Netherlands has also proposed to the EU the suspension of visa-free agreements with Georgia.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas indicated that sanctions against the Georgian regime could be considered, but such measures require consensus among EU member states, which may be complicated by Hungary's support for the pro-Russian government in Georgia.