"The development in Georgia has been very alarming for some time. The irregularities reported by international election observers in the weekend's parliamentary election reinforce this," says Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa (M) in a written comment to TT.
The pro-Russian ruling party Georgian Dream became the largest in the weekend's disputed parliamentary election, whose legitimacy is being questioned by the opposition and international observers.
Dousa says that "attempts to prevent the country's civil society from fulfilling its democratic role through, among other things, restrictive legislation are in conflict with EU norms and values."
"Therefore, the government is pausing the direct Swedish-Georgian authority cooperation that is still ongoing, including with Georgia's tax authority," he continues.
According to Dousa, the cooperation may be resumed in the future if Georgia were to approach the EU again. Sweden's aid to Georgia amounts to approximately 200 million kronor per year. This year, 25 million have been reallocated to the country's civil society.
