Speaking at the OSCE PA General Committee on Democracy, Human Rights and Humanitarian Questions, Swiss MP Daniel Fässler shared his firsthand experience as an observer of Georgia’s 2024 parliamentary elections, stating they were “perfectly organized, fair, with no irregularities.”

Fässler emphasized that although the election outcome may not have pleased many European states, the result reflected the will of the Georgian people. “That is not for us to decide,” he said.

However, he criticized the “fierce and fear-driven campaign” by the ruling party, calling it a disturbing element of the election process. “You cannot treat the opposition this way. Democratic values must be strengthened in Georgia,” he urged Georgian representatives.

Fässler also addressed Switzerland’s special diplomatic role, noting it acts as a protecting power between Georgia and Russia, given the absence of direct diplomatic ties. He underscored Georgia’s importance to Switzerland and the OSCE.

Concluding, he cautioned the OSCE against isolating member states. “We must integrate, not exclude. Only by engagement can we help countries better uphold democratic values,” he said.