The United States has announced sanctions against Bidzina Ivanishvili, the former prime minister of Georgia and the billionaire founder of the Georgian Dream party. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized that Ivanishvili and his party have undermined Georgia’s aspirations for Euro-Atlantic integration, increasing the country’s vulnerability to Russian influence.
Despite not holding an elected office, Ivanishvili is regarded as the “honorary chairman” of the Georgian Dream party, which has maintained power for 12 years. The party recently declared victory in elections amid allegations of fraud and has suspended negotiations for EU membership, triggering widespread protests across the nation.
Opposition lawmakers are boycotting the newly formed parliament, citing electoral fraud as their primary concern. A new president, former footballer Mikheil Kavelashvili, is set to be inaugurated in two days. Kavelashvili is affiliated with the People’s Power party and is considered a supporter of the Georgian Dream. However, the outgoing president, Salome Zurabishvili, a strong pro-European advocate, has announced she will remain in office until new elections are conducted.
Blinken condemned the actions of the Georgian Dream under Ivanishvili, criticizing the ongoing repression of citizens, protesters, journalists, human rights defenders, and opposition members. He highlighted that such activities have curtailed fundamental freedoms and left Georgia susceptible to ongoing Russian occupation of over 20% of its territory.
In November, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze indicated that the government would not pursue EU accession talks until 2028, further fueling public outcry. Protesters have clashed with riot police, who have responded with tear gas and water cannons, leading to confrontations involving fireworks and stones.
Additionally, the UK has imposed sanctions on five senior Georgian officials, including the interior minister, for their roles in suppressing pro-European demonstrations. Recently, the European Parliament expressed concern over the deteriorating democratic situation in Georgia, noting reports of voter intimidation, vote-buying, and harassment of election observers.
