Germany, France, Poland condemn ‘democratic backsliding’ in Georgia | World News

BERLIN: The leaders of Germany, France and Poland on Monday criticised actions by the Georgian authorities which they stated had undermined democratic establishments.In a joint assertion marking Georgia’s Independence Day, the trio stated they “condemn all activities of the Georgian authorities resulting in the democratic backsliding and the attacks against civil society, media and government critics”.German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated they supported “the democratic and European aspirations of the Georgian people”.Georgia has been mired in political disaster marked by mass anti-government protests since an October election.Opposition events have in the meantime boycotted the present parliament, accusing the ruling Georgian Dream social gathering of rigging the vote.They say the federal government is copying Russia’s authoritarian practices — an allegation it denies — and steering Tbilisi away from its EU aspirations.The three leaders on Monday stated that “the people of Georgia should not be deprived of the opportunities associated with the country’s European path”. “Freedom of expression and of assembly must be upheld. Reports of excessive violence must be investigated.” The three European leaders known as for Georgian authorities to restart a “much-needed reform process” and to “re-establish a dialogue with opposition and civil society”.