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This article was originally published on the Labour Party Pink Network website
On Friday 25 October, the FMS, Foundation Max van der Stoel, together with the Pink Network of the Labour Party and WECF organised a political café on the important Georgian parliamentary elections that were about to take place the next day.
The café discussed democracy, the new anti-LGBTI law and what this means for Georgia's possible EU membership. We discussed these topics with MEP Kim van Sparrentak, Green Left/PvdA, researcher Amy Eaglestone, WECF activist Shorena Vashadze and an interested audience.
MEP Kim van Sparrentak spoke about the big difference between civil society organisations in Western Europe and Georgia. She praised the strong unity among Georgian LGBTI communities and wider society, which differs greatly from the divided civil society efforts in many Western European countries, such as the Netherlands. Researcher Amy Eaglestone criticised the ruling Georgian Dream party, which appears democratic but is backed by Russia. She explained how economic issues and powerful people influence Georgian voters, even though the vast majority of the population wants to join the EU.
WECF activist Shorena Vashadze shared her concerns about the Georgian Dream Party's tactics, such as forcing people to participate in pro-government protests. Despite these problems, she expressed hope, especially through the voices of women and ethnic minorities working for a better future.
The discussion approached how the 'law on foreign agents' and anti-LHBTI legislation are being used to silence dissent and serve mainly Russian interests. Speakers stressed the need for solidarity and active steps to fight disinformation and support democracy.
The event also discussed broader geopolitical implications, drawing comparisons with other EU countries facing democratic challenges. A day before the Georgian elections, the Political Café was an important venue to raise awareness and discuss the future of democracy and human rights in Georgia.
