Georgian Parliament official: scepticism toward European institutions growing even in EU member states

Archil Gorduladze, Chair of the Georgian Parliament’s Committee on Legal Affairs, said on Wednesday that scepticism toward European institutions was growing even within EU member states, citing recent political developments in Germany and public attitudes toward EU membership in Iceland.

Gorduladze made the remarks while discussing what he described as the policies pursued by the European bureaucracy.

“We see that these bureaucrats, who are directly subordinate to external governance, are taking steps that repeatedly harm even their own populations”, he said.

He specifically referred to the recent electoral gains made by right-wing political forces in Germany, saying their message that government decisions should prioritise citizens’ interests was gaining support.

“That is why, for example, the forces that achieved success several days ago are gaining strength in Germany. They say that decisions should be made based on the best interests of the people. We are seeing decisions that harm their own economic aspirations and interests as well”, Gorduladze noted.

The official drew a parallel between what he described as the lack of consistency and independence among European bureaucrats and the behaviour of Georgia’s opposition, which he referred to collectively as the National Movement.

“Unfortunately, just as is the case with our collective National Movement, we see that they are neither consistent nor independent in their decisions and statements. They always try to assess matters based on whatever specific objective they have in a given situation, and they are not concerned about their own society at all. This is why scepticism toward European institutions is growing even in EU member states”, he stressed.

“We can recall the example of Iceland, where the population rejected not only EU membership, but even the resumption of negotiations”, Gorduladze concluded.