Germany, France, Poland condemn 'democratic backsliding' in Georgia

BERLIN: The leaders of Germany, France and Poland on Monday criticised actions by the Georgian government which they said had undermined democratic institutions.In a joint statement marking Georgia's Independence Day, the trio said they "condemn all activities of the Georgian authorities resulting in the democratic backsliding and the attacks against civil society, media and government critics".German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said they supported "the democratic and European aspirations of the Georgian people".Georgia has been mired in political crisis marked by mass anti-government protests since an October election.Opposition parties have meanwhile boycotted the current parliament, accusing the ruling Georgian Dream party of rigging the vote.They say the government is copying Russia's authoritarian practices -- an allegation it denies -- and steering Tbilisi away from its EU aspirations.The three leaders on Monday said that "the people of Georgia should not be deprived of the opportunities associated with the country's European path". "Freedom of expression and of assembly must be upheld. Reports of excessive violence must be investigated." The three European leaders called for Georgian authorities to restart a "much-needed reform process" and to "re-establish a dialogue with opposition and civil society".