Georgian Ruling Party Seeks to Outlaw Major Opposition

The ruling Georgian Dream party is seeking a constitutional court ruling to ban three major opposition parties, citing threats to constitutional order. This move occurs amid Georgia's shift towards authoritarianism and strained relations with the EU, while opposition figures face legal battles and arrests.

The ruling Georgian Dream party in Georgia has initiated legal action to ban the nation's three largest opposition parties. This development was announced by Georgia's parliamentary speaker, Shalva Papuashvili, who revealed the lawsuit filed with the constitutional court.

The targeted parties, Coalition for Change, Mikheil Saakashvili's United National Movement, and the Strong Georgia bloc, are accused of threatening the constitutional order with their pro-Western stances. These accusations come as the country pivots more towards authoritarian governance and strengthens ties with Russia.

Once a democratic beacon following the Soviet Union's dissolution, Georgia's political climate has dramatically shifted, particularly following the war in Ukraine. Relations with the European Union have soured, with Euro-related talks stalling. This political crackdown coincides with recent legislation easing restrictions on banning political entities and increasing arrests of government protestors.

(With inputs from agencies.)