Speeches

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, the elections in Georgia represent a crucial crossroads in the history of the country and its democratic evolution, especially after the passing of laws such as the one on the transparency of foreign influence, so similar to the Russian one, and on the family, which in fact is discriminatory. Laws accompanied by intimidation and threats against the opposition, the press and civil society. Fortunately, there is an extraordinary civil society in Georgia whose courage we admire, taking to the streets demanding freedom and waving the European flag. This Parliament will always be close to the Georgian people and as Socialists and Democrats we look forward to welcoming them into the great European family. For this to happen, there must be democracy and freedom, rights that protect all citizens, without discrimination. This is Europe, and the process of integration can only continue if those who govern stop intimidating their opponents and cancel those laws. We must ensure that the elections are truly free and fair, so that the citizens of Georgia freely decide their future.