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I voted in favour of this resolution to express my concern at the deeply worrying situation in the Georgian's political landscape following the parliamentary elections. The ruling Georgian Dream party and its leader, the oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, are responsible for the continuing democratic backsliding, including irregularities during the parliamentary elections, and for ignoring the will of the Georgian people for Euro-Atlantic orientation integration. The European Parliament has always stood by the Georgian people and will continue to do so. The resolution clearly states that the election results cannot be recognized, that new free and fair elections must be held and those responsible for the democratic backsliding, violations of electoral laws and standards, administrative abuses and misuse of state institutions, including Bidzina Ivanishvili, should face personal sanctions.

I voted in favour of this resolution calling on Member States to extend public bans on new smoking products such as HTPs, e-cigarettes and other aerosol products. Such a ban should focus on ensuring health safety and maximum protection of children, adolescents, pregnant women and other vulnerable groups. The Tobacco Taxation Directive, the Tobacco Advertising Directive and the Tobacco Products Directive should be revised as soon as possible, taking into account the health and well-being of all the above-mentioned groups. Given the social importance of this resolution, I voted in favour.