“Resistance Platform” to the “Weimar Triangle”: It is essential to develop an appropriate policy framework at the EU level for Georgia, a plan to overcome the crisis - Additionally, the Georgian people expect tougher sanctions

According to Georgia’s fifth President, Salome Zurabishvili, the “Resistance Platform” addressed the leaders of the “Weimar Triangle” regarding issues that “require immediate attention from our partners and a more active, effective, and coherent EU policy toward Georgia.”

She made this statement during a briefing.

According to Zurabishvili, their appeal reiterated “two unwavering demands: the immediate release of political prisoners and the scheduling of new parliamentary elections.”

“We jointly addressed all three leaders of the ‘Weimar Triangle,’ who congratulated the Georgian people on May 26 and expressed their support. This letter will be shared with you. We addressed them with a range of issues that require immediate attention from our partners and a more active, effective, and coherent EU policy toward Georgia. We also reiterated our two main demands, which remain unwavering: the immediate release of political prisoners and the scheduling of new parliamentary elections under the necessary conditions. These must be fair and transparent elections, as demanded by this country. This is also essential for the country’s stability, without which the stability that all our partners care about cannot be achieved. We hope for their direct support,” Salome Zurabishvili stated.

The text of the “Resistance Platform” appeal, distributed by Salome Zurabishvili’s press office, is provided unchanged by Interpressnews.

“To Emmanuel Macron, President of France, Friedrich Merz, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Donald Tusk, Prime Minister of Poland, Your Excellencies, We, the ‘Resistance Platform,’ which unites pro-Western political parties and is coordinated by President Salome Zurabishvili, on behalf of the Georgian people who steadfastly stand for democracy, freedom, and European integration, wish to express our heartfelt gratitude for your supportive and solidarity messages on Georgia’s Independence Day.

We deeply value your unwavering support for Georgia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and Euro-Atlantic aspirations—especially during these challenging times. Your support for our democratic and European aspirations, which reflect the fundamental values and identity of our nation, carries significant moral and political weight. Your message serves as a powerful reminder of the solidarity of the European community in Georgia’s pursuit of a democratic, stable, and successful future.

Recent developments—including democratic backsliding, increasing repression of civil society, independent media, and political opposition, and the de facto regime’s deliberate attempts to divert the country from its European path—contradict the basic principles of democratic accountability and broad public consensus. This dangerous trajectory, unfolding at Europe’s doorstep, serves only the interests of its adversaries. This is happening while Russia intensifies its hybrid war against Georgia, using the de facto regime to advance Moscow’s strategic objectives.

We remain committed to the Georgian people’s European choice and strive for a democratic resolution to the ongoing crisis. To achieve this goal, we believe the following steps are essential:

Developing a coherent and appropriate policy framework for Georgia at the EU level—a results-oriented plan with clear conditions to overcome the current crisis, encouraging progress while ensuring accountability within strictly defined timelines in case of non-compliance.

Sanctions policy—targeted sanctions have already impacted the regime’s power vertical, as evidenced by the departure of key figures from Bidzina Ivanishvili’s circle: Irakli Garibashvili, Grigol Liluashvili, and, most recently, Vakhtang Gomelauri (who is included in the U.S. Magnitsky Act and the UK’s Global Human Rights Sanctions list). The Georgian people expect these sanctions to be tightened, as they hinder the consolidation of authoritarianism and reduce the regime’s influence.

Organizing new, free, and fair parliamentary elections—elections must be held in a genuinely open and democratic environment, addressing all the shortcomings of the October 2024 elections. Clear conditions and guarantees have been outlined to restore the democratic legitimacy of relevant institutions and public trust in the electoral process, and agreement on and strict adherence to these are essential.

A roadmap for restoring democratic governance and Georgia’s European course—a collective effort is needed to swiftly return to democratic norms and resume the process of integration with the EU, including implementing the Georgia-EU Association Agenda.

Support for civil society, independent media, and democratic opposition—amid ongoing persecution and financial pressure, sustained support is crucial to preserve independent voices and halt the slide toward authoritarianism.

Immediate and unconditional release of political prisoners—all political prisoners who fought for freedom and democracy in Georgia and became victims of the regime for raising their voices against autocratic governance must be released immediately and unconditionally.

We are convinced that these actions are necessary not only to overcome the current crisis but also to reaffirm Georgia’s commitment to the defining values and standards of Europe.

With full respect, we call on the ‘Weimar Triangle’ countries, together with other allies, to lead the process of peacefully resolving the ongoing crisis in Georgia.

Once again, we thank you for standing with the Georgian people. Your support strengthens us and gives us hope at a time when principled international engagement is of utmost importance.

With sincere gratitude, Salome Zurabishvili (on behalf of the parties within the ‘Resistance Platform’—‘Droa,’ ‘Federalists,’ ‘Lelo,’ ‘Strategy Aghmashenebeli,’ ‘Freedom Square,’ ‘European Georgia,’ ‘Girchi - More Freedom’),” the appeal states.