On January 8, the ruling Georgian Dream party released a statement addressing Western sanctions and Georgia’s current political developments. The party accused Western nations of supporting a “party of global war” and a “deep state” allegedly working to destabilize Georgia and push it into war. It linked US and European leaders to this alleged network and portrayed sanctions as punitive measures against Georgian Dream’s peace policies.
This comes amid the introduction of the “Georgian Nightmare Non-Recognition Act” by US Representatives Joe Wilson and Steve Cohen. The act aims to prohibit US recognition of any government led by Bidzina Ivanishvili, introduces sanctions against Georgian Dream officials and their family members, recognizes Salome Zourabichvili as Georgia’s president until new elections are held, and seeks to combat what is termed as “Russian-backed authoritarianism” while supporting any ambitions for EU membership.
The statement named US President-elect Donald Trump as an ally against the “deep state” and cited sanctions against party leader Bidzina Ivanishvili as retribution for his role in maintaining peace. Georgian Dream also criticized the European Union (EU) for perceived anti-Georgian resolutions and delayed European integration.
The statement rejected the possibility of Georgia joining the EU before 2030, citing ideological and structural issues within the Union. In addition, Georgian Dream accused local opposition groups of supporting foreign agendas and pledged continued resistance to Western pressure.