Georgia accuses EU of meddling over opposition party ban lawsuit

Georgia’s Foreign Ministry condemned remarks from EU representatives as undue pressure on its Constitutional Court, which is reviewing a lawsuit filed by the ruling Georgian Dream party to ban five opposition parties. The ministry argued that questioning the court’s legitimacy amounts to interference in domestic affairs and hampers constructive EU-Georgia relations. The European Parliament had earlier condemned the lawsuit in a resolution, prompting criticism from Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, who likened the Parliament to the Soviet Supreme Soviet.

A European Commission spokesperson warned that banning opposition groups could erode fundamental freedoms and democratic competition. The Constitutional Court accepted the case and scheduled hearings for 21 October, with a nine-month deadline to decide. The EU also raised concerns about the recent imprisonment of TV Formula host Vakho Sanaia, urging Georgian authorities to release detained journalists and activists.