European Parliament Demands Sanctions on Georgian Officials
The European Parliament has adopted a resolution calling for personal sanctions against several high-ranking officials in Georgia. The resolution targets four politicians: Bidzina Ivanishvili, the former Prime Minister; Irakli Kobakhidze, the current Prime Minister; Kakha Kaladze, the Mayor of Tbilisi; and Shalva Papuashvili, the Speaker of Parliament.
The European Parliament is also calling for sanctions against Irakli Gharibashvili, the Chairman of the “Georgian Dream” party. The resolution mentions that these officials are responsible for democratic backsliding and violations of electoral laws in Georgia.
The main reason for imposing sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili is his role in deteriorating the political process in Georgia. The European Parliament believes he has acted against the country’s constitutionally declared interests, including trying to restore Russia’s influence over Georgia.
Most members of the European Parliament voted in favor of the resolution, with 444 voting yes and only 72 saying no.