Alain Berset: I urge the ruling majority to protect political pluralism and preserve space for political opposition – Council of Europe will closely monitor developments
Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset has called on Georgia’s ruling majority to protect political pluralism and preserve space for political opposition.
Berset said that the European Court of Human Rights’ case law requires compelling justification for the dissolution of a political party, subject to strict requirements. He stressed that these are fundamental standards of the common European judicial space to which Georgia belongs.
The Council of Europe Secretary General emphasized that a ruling party seeking to remove democratic constraints on its power weakens the very country it is supposed to serve.
He added that the Council of Europe would closely monitor developments and continue its dialogue with Georgia to uphold the Convention.
“Georgia’s Constitutional Court is beginning hearings on a petition submitted by 88 members of parliament from the ruling majority seeking to ban five opposition parties. Without prejudging the outcome of these proceedings, and with full respect for the principles of sovereignty and judicial independence, I urge the ruling majority to protect political pluralism and preserve space for political opposition.
“Political pluralism is essential to a healthy democracy and is central to Georgia’s obligations as a member of the Council of Europe. As a party to the European Convention on Human Rights, Georgia is obliged to guarantee freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly and association. These rights allow different political forces to organize, express their views and compete in elections.
“The European Court of Human Rights’ case law requires compelling justification for the dissolution of a political party, subject to strict requirements of necessity and proportionality. These are fundamental standards of the common European judicial space to which Georgia belongs.
“The ruling majority bears a particular responsibility to uphold these conditions and respect the legitimate role of political opposition, both inside and outside parliament. A ruling party that seeks to remove democratic constraints on its power weakens the very country it is supposed to serve.
“These proceedings are taking place against a backdrop of growing restrictions on civil society, independent media and freedom of peaceful assembly. Taken together, these developments risk undermining the checks and balances that are essential to democratic governance in Georgia.
“The Council of Europe will closely monitor developments and continue its dialogue with Georgia to uphold the Convention and support the country in meeting its obligations, preserving political pluralism, and protecting the fundamental rights and freedoms of all its citizens,” Berset said.
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