From October 25 to 29, Europa Radicale will be on a mission in Tbilisi during the Georgian parliamentary elections to support the pro-European and anti-Putin opposition. We will participate in demonstrations carrying the banner “GEORGIA IS NOT RUSSIA.”
Following the referendum and presidential elections in Moldova, another critical event awaits Europe: on October 26, elections will take place in Georgia. A delegation from Europa Radicale will be in Tbilisi from October 25 to 29. On the same day, in Rome and Milan, Europa Radicale and the Georgian communities will gather in front of the consulates to support the citizens heading to the polls.
The Tbilisi delegation will include Igor Boni, Francesco Iannuzzi, Silvja Manzi, and Chiara Squarcione.
“Moldova and Georgia are two crucial pieces in a puzzle fundamental to the balance of our continent, demonstrating how Russian influence can disrupt that balance. This is why we will go to Georgia. The Georgian squares filled with European flags in recent weeks unmistakably signal a resolute desire for a definitive break from Moscow’s yoke. We have stated this from Italy, and we will reaffirm it in Tbilisi. During our mission, we will meet opposition leaders, civil society representatives, and Georgian media figures who look to the EU with hope for a free and democratic future.
We will demonstrate in front of Parliament and in the squares, displaying our banner “GEORGIA IS NOT RUSSIA.” We will honor our fellow radical Antonio Russo, who was tortured and killed by Moscow’s secret services on October 16, 2000, just a few kilometers from Tbilisi, for gathering evidence of Russian war crimes in Chechnya. We will publicly reiterate that the illegal military occupation of South Ossetia and Abkhazia by Russia must end. What has happened and is happening in Ukraine could also occur in Georgia if the EU and the international community do not strongly support the country’s European aspirations against the propaganda of the pro-Russian party Georgian Dream. What is presented as the “Georgian Dream” risks becoming a true “Russian nightmare.”
We will propose to our government and European governments the full and immediate implementation of already signed agreements. Since 2010, Georgia has not been among the beneficiaries of Italian development cooperation; however, the entry into force of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement in 2016, and the recognition of EU candidate status by the European Council on December 14, 2023, must guarantee the country an alternative path to Kremlin oppression.
We urge the Italian government to fully apply the cultural and scientific collaboration agreement signed by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Georgian Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili on April 21, 2023, which is valid until 2027. This agreement addresses education, trade, culture, scientific research, and respect for human rights. Words must be followed by actions.
Cover image from LaPresse Agency
