French President Emmanuel Macron, in a telephone conversation on Wednesday with Georgian billionaire Bidzin Ivanishvili, who is behind the ruling Georgian Dream party, expressed his concern about the deteriorating state of democracy in the country.
Macron initiated the conversation as Georgian authorities violently crack down on protests after disputed elections in October in which Georgian Dream declared victory, the Georgian service of RSE reported.
The French president has condemned the excessive use of force against non-violent protesters and journalists, his office said.
He called for the immediate release of those arrested without grounds, respect for freedom of expression and assembly, and inclusive dialogue.
Macron has repeatedly expressed concern about the Georgian Dream moving away from European values towards authoritarianism.
The latest wave of protests was sparked by allegations of electoral fraud during parliamentary elections in October 2024. The opposition refused to recognize the result, claiming Georgian Dream had stolen the election.
The protests escalated after security services resorted to excessive force in breaking up peaceful gatherings, sparking outrage both domestically and internationally.
The Georgian Dream confirmed the conversation with the French leader, stating that Ivanishvili told Macron that Georgia is a "state of law" and that most of the detainees were held on misdemeanor charges and would soon be released.
Ivanishvili said the arrests on criminal charges were "based on a high standard of proof" and that "police actions were in line with European standards".
The Georgian Dream also stated that an investigation into alleged police misconduct is underway.
A day earlier, Macron met with Georgian President Salome Zourabishvili in Paris during the celebration of the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral. Zurabishvili, who has distanced herself from Georgian Dream and Ivanishvili, also rejected the election results.
During the trip to France, she also met with other Western leaders, including the newly elected President of the United States, Donald Trump.
Macron appears to be leading the West's attempt to find a solution to the situation in Georgia that is in line with EU values, experts say.
Bidzina Ivanishvili, who holds dual citizenship in Georgia and France, is a significant figure in Georgian politics despite his official retirement from active political leadership.
His vast wealth and political connections have allowed him to maintain influence, and his role in the ruling Georgian Dream party is crucial.
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