Georgia's Constitutional Court is hearing a lawsuit filed by the ruling Georgian Dream party that seeks to ban five major pro-Western opposition parties. The petition targets the United National Movement, Coalition for Change, Strong Georgia-Lelo, the Federalists, and Gakharia for Georgia, arguing they pose a threat to the constitutional order.
The case arrives in a period of heightened political tension after mass protests erupted when the government paused negotiations over European Union membership. Authorities have since intensified measures that critics say curb civil liberties, including arrests, fines, and new restrictions on assemblies.
Legal observers say the outcome could reshape the opposition landscape and signal how far the state will go in regulating political activity. Supporters of the petition argue the ban is necessary to safeguard democratic processes, while opponents warn it could erode pluralism and voter choice. The court's ruling will eventually determine whether these groups can operate freely or be sidelined through the judiciary.
As the legal process unfolds, international observers and domestic watchdogs are watching closely for implications on the rule of law and Georgia's trajectory toward European ties.