European Commission report: Attempts to ban main opposition parties through a Constitutional Court case threaten the foundations of the country’s democracy

The state of democracy continued to deteriorate during the reporting period due to a growing erosion of democratic institutions, increased concentration of power, an escalating crackdown on civil and political liberties, further shrinking of the civic space, as well as hostile anti-EU rhetoric and disinformation. This is noted in the report on Georgia, prepared as part of the European Commission’s 2026 enlargement package.

“Attempts to ban main opposition parties through a Constitutional Court case threaten the foundations of the country’s democracy. The authorities have not taken steps to reform the general electoral framework according to longstanding recommendations.

Municipal elections were held in October 2025 in a highly polarised and repressive environment which severely undermined the competitiveness and transparency of the process.

These included legislative amendments favouring the ruling party, a boycott by most opposition parties, the lack of impartial election administration, voter intimidation and the lack of OSCE/ODIHR and credible domestic observers. New severe restrictions on political activity and political participation of citizens were adopted during the reporting period, in contradiction of international standards on pluralism and democracy”, reads the document.

Furthermore, the report notes that the majority of opposition leaders are currently either facing criminal charges, living in exile, or are in detention.

“Parliamentary oversight remains limited and the executive’s power further increased. Political polarisation deepened and democratic pluralism deteriorated further. Most opposition leaders are now either facing criminal charges, in exile or imprisoned. Women are increasingly under-represented in public office”, reads the report.