Rasa Juknevičienė: Many think that "Georgia is a lost cause," but Georgians have not given up—Putinism will be defeated, "Bidzinization" will be defeated; we must act, and sanctions against Ivanishvili and those responsible are essential

The "Bidzinization" of Georgia will be defeated; sanctions against Ivanishvili and all responsible individuals are necessary, Rasa Juknevičienė, the European Parliament’s rapporteur on Georgia, stated during a European Parliament debate regarding Georgian Dream's attempts to ban opposition parties.

According to the MEP, people in Georgia are still protesting, and the citizens have not given up.

“Some say that Georgia is a lost cause. They say: "Accept the status quo; be realistic." Many thought that we Lithuanians were a lost cause too, but that turned out not to be the case. Georgians have not given up. People are still protesting; the majority still desires a European future. That is precisely why our message is so important to them today.

The regime wants to ban opposition parties. It has forced German political foundations to close their offices in Tbilisi. It is arresting those who work for democracy and the rule of law. This is not strength; this is fear.

By rejecting the will of the Georgian people, Ivanishvili’s regime has chosen Russia. Putinism will be defeated. The "Bidzinization" of Georgia will be defeated. Russia represents the future for no one. Ukraine is still standing and fighting, and Armenia, too, has made its choice despite pressure from Moscow; so, hope is not lost.

That is why we must act now. Sanctions against Ivanishvili and all those responsible are essential. Member states should not wait. The desire for freedom is stronger than fear. We must stand by the Georgian people," said Juknevičienė.