The United States has announced sanctions against Bidzina Grigoris Dze Ivanishvili, the founder and honorary chairman of Georgia’s ruling party, Georgian Dream, for actions that have weakened democratic institutions and impeded Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations. These measures are a response to Ivanishvili’s alleged role in undermining the democratic will of the Georgian people for the benefit of external influences.
Under Ivanishvili’s leadership, Georgian Dream has been accused of enabling human rights abuses, restricting fundamental freedoms, and stifling political dissent. These actions have not only eroded democratic institutions but also derailed Georgia’s path toward greater integration with Euro-Atlantic structures—an aspiration reflected in the will of the Georgian people and enshrined in the nation’s constitution. The consequences of these policies have reportedly left Georgia vulnerable to external pressures, with significant portions of its territory still under occupation.
The U.S. strongly condemns the repression of Georgian citizens, activists, media professionals, and opposition voices under Ivanishvili’s leadership. Sanctions were imposed under Executive Order 14024, which targets individuals responsible for actions undermining democratic processes domestically or internationally, directly or indirectly benefiting external governments.
This move underscores the United States’ commitment to supporting democracy, human rights, and accountability. It signals a broader effort to stand against actions that compromise the principles of democratic governance and the rights of individuals to live freely under democratic systems.