**Georgia’s Democratic Backslide: A Concern for Europe**
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe has sounded the alarm on a severe democratic setback in Georgia. Sabina Čudić, a Member of the European Parliament from Bosnia and Herzegovina, warned that the country is sliding into autocracy. In a debate at the assembly, Čudić highlighted three essential foundations of democracy: the rule of law, free and fair elections, and protection of human rights.
**Democracy in Decline**
Čudić noted that Georgia’s situation has deteriorated significantly since January, with all three democratic pillars under threat. The country’s civil society space is shrinking, with the parliament adopting a law that declares non-compliance with registration as unlawful. This move has been met with concern by the Monitoring Committee, which has asked the Venice Commission to provide an urgent opinion on the matter.
**Media Freedom Under Threat**
The MP also expressed worry about the media environment in Georgia, which is deteriorating at an alarming rate. Independent voices are being silenced, and the government‘s actions are creating a climate of fear among journalists and civil society activists.
**Opposition Banned**
Another disturbing trend in Georgia is the authorities’ attempts to ban democratic opposition parties from operating in the country. Čudić emphasized that this move not only violates Georgia’s commitment to the Council of Europe Statute but also erodes its democratic credentials.
**A Call for Cooperation**
Čudić called on the Georgian authorities to engage in dialogue and cooperation with the assembly and the Council of Europe. She emphasized that the report presented is not one of condemnation, but rather a call to action. The MP expressed her readiness for cooperation and urged her colleagues from leading parties and opposition groups to join forces in discussing Georgia’s democratic setbacks.
**A Wake-Up Call for Europe**
The situation in Georgia serves as a wake-up call for Europe to re-examine its relationships with member states that are backsliding on democratic values. As Čudić noted, the way governments treat their opposition, media, and civil society is a crucial indicator of their progress or regression. The European Parliament’s concern is a timely reminder that democracy is a work in progress, and its defenders must remain vigilant to protect these fundamental rights.
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