Georgian Parliament Vice Speaker: party ban stems from disregard for democratic principles, support for extremist ideology

Nino Tsilosani, an MP for the ruling Georgian Dream party and Vice Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, on Thursday commented on the international practice of banning political parties, saying that the main reason for banning the party is the neglect of democratic principles and the promotion of extremist ideology.

In her remarks, Tsilosani expressed regret that several European politicians and political groups had come out in defense of the United National Movement party.

“European countries have extensive experience in banning political parties - similar processes are currently underway in France and Germany. In 2023, Greece, for instance, banned a party for disregarding democratic principles. In this regard, Ukraine and Moldova are particularly active”, she noted.

“The main reason for the ban is the disregard for democratic principles and the support for extremist ideology. What is most disappointing and difficult to accept is that a number of European politicians and political groups are defending the United National Movement. Through unfair, double-standard attacks, they are effectively acting as the party’s protectors”, Tsilosani concluded.

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili further addressed the international practice of banning political parties, saying that the harsh criticism voiced by international actors is insulting to the Georgian people and the Georgian state.