Ruling party Sec Gen: interference in Georgia’s domestic political processes “unacceptable”

Kakha Kaladze, the Mayor of Tbilisi and Secretary General of the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Wednesday sharply criticised a statement made by Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys, asserting that no foreign entity, including European representatives or officials, were entitled to dictate what laws the Georgian Government, elected by the majority of its citizens, should adopt.

In his remarks, Kaladze emphasised that interference in Georgia’s domestic political processes was “unacceptable”.

“Everything is clear how the evil force - some so-called bureaucrats - acts, what their main goal and objective is concerning Georgia. They failed to subjugate our country or use it to advance their interests, as they did with Ukraine. We’ve said many times: there will be no ‘Ukrainisation’ of Georgia”, Kaladze said.

He added that the Georgian Government would do its best to protect the country's sovereignty and national interests.

“Of course, they are frustrated that they couldn’t use Georgia as a tool for their agendas. That’s why such statements are being made now, as elections approach. Who asked the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry to intervene in Georgia’s internal political discourse and speculate on what laws a democratically elected parliament might pass?” he continued.

Kaladze called for a shift in attitude towards Georgia, particularly from some Western actors.

“First and foremost, the attitude that currently exists must change. Everyone must know and understand that no matter how powerful a state may be, Georgia is not any country’s backyard. Georgia is an independent country. We are defending the sovereignty of our country, and we will not allow anyone to interfere in its internal political affairs. Everyone should take care of their own state and their own country”, he concluded.