French President Emmanuel Macron spoke with Bidzina Ivanishvili on December 11. Ivanishvili is the honorary chairman of Georgia’s ruling party, Georgian Dream.
The French Presidency said in a statement that Macron “condemned the intimidation of civil society and opposition members.” He also called for the release of people who were arrested unfairly and for freedom of speech and assembly to be respected.
Macron expressed regret that Georgia was moving away from Europe. He said this would affect its relationship with the European Union. The French President urged Ivanishvili to have an inclusive dialogue with all political groups and civil society, respecting Georgia’s democratic aspirations.
The Georgian Dream party reported a different version of events. They said Macron expressed concern about the situation in Georgia and offered help resolving it. Ivanishvili thanked Macron and agreed to talk again soon.
Bidzina Ivanishvili is a French citizen. He has been at the center of controversy in Georgia, where President Salome Zurabishvili recently met with Macron and US President-elect Donald Trump.
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