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The adoption of the measure — criticised as a Kremlin-style law to silence dissent — sparked weeks of mass street protests and also prompted Washington to impose sanctions on dozens of Georgian officials.
Read more’Russian law’ in Georgia sparks concern among independent media
Earlier this month, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell cautioned that Georgian Dream’s actions “signal a shift towards authoritarianism”.
He called the upcoming polls “a crucial test for democracy in Georgia and its European Union path”.
Opinion polls suggest opposition parties are likely to garner enough votes in Saturday’s election to form a coalition government and replace the ruling party, controlled by powerful billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili.
Analysts have warned of the risk of turmoil if Georgian Dream attempts to hold onto power regardless of the vote’s outcome.
In power since 2012, the party initially pursued a liberal pro-Western policy agenda, but over the last two years has reversed course and been accused of moving closer to Moscow.
Bids for membership of the EU and NATO are enshrined in Georgia’s constitution and supported by some 80 percent of the population, according to multiple opinion polls commissioned by groups including the National Democratic Institute and the International Republican Institute.
(AFP)
Source link : https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20241020-tens-of-thousands-of-pro-eu-supporters-rally-in-georgia-ahead-of-key-vote
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Publish date : 2024-10-20 18:34:00
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