During a European Parliament plenary session, MEP Nathalie Loiseau called for immediate attention to election fraud and intimidation witnessed in Georgia’s October 26 elections. Loiseau, who was part of an election observation mission in Georgia, emphasized the need for the European Union to take a strong stance on the matter.
A Call for Urgent Action on Georgia’s Election Issues
Loiseau, alongside six colleagues, reported troubling incidents of fraud and intimidation during Georgia’s recent elections. These concerns were raised in the European Parliament, with Loiseau urging her fellow lawmakers to not only discuss the issue but also pass a resolution addressing the situation.
In her remarks, Loiseau expressed frustration that the European Council had not addressed these allegations in its most recent meeting, despite widespread protests in Georgia. Citizens were seen marching through the streets, waving both Georgian and European flags, signaling their desire for EU support. “The people of Georgia expect a lot from the European Union,” Loiseau said, adding that the EU must do more to ensure the integrity of elections in its neighboring countries.
Protests and Calls for European Support
Loiseau’s comments come amidst ongoing protests in Georgia, where citizens have been demanding stronger EU involvement in the country’s democratic process. The protesters, visibly disillusioned, see the EU as a potential force for reform. Loiseau noted that the Georgian population’s hopes for EU intervention were high but voiced her disappointment that the European Council had failed to adequately address the issue at its last gathering.
Her call for a European Parliament debate on the issue was supported by a majority of her colleagues. A vote following her speech saw 309 MEPs in favor of initiating a debate, with 191 against and 34 abstentions. This vote underscores the growing concern within the European Parliament over Georgia’s election practices and the EU’s role in supporting its democratic processes.
A Champion for Democracy in Europe
Loiseau reiterated that the European Parliament should not shy away from taking action when democratic values are at stake, particularly in its neighboring countries. “We are the home of democracy in Europe, and we should not only debate what’s happening in Georgia, but also clearly state our position by passing a resolution,” she said. Her statement emphasizes the Parliament’s duty to be a strong advocate for democracy abroad, reflecting the urgency of the situation in Georgia.
With the vote now passed, the European Parliament is set to address the issue of election fraud and intimidation in Georgia in its next session. The resolution will push for further scrutiny of the country’s electoral process and may spur greater EU involvement in supporting democratic reforms.
