FM says using Georgia’s Independence Day to create negative agenda in country “unacceptable”

Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili on Tuesday said using a national Independence Day to create a negative agenda in the country was unacceptable.

Botchorishvili’s comment followed the joint statement made by French President Emmanuel Macron, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday on the occasion of Georgia’s Independence Day, saying “we condemn all actions by the Georgian Government that lead to democratic backsliding, as well as all attacks against civil public, the media, and Government opponents”.

“Using everything to create a negative agenda in the country is unacceptable. May 26 is Georgia's Independence Day, a national day, and this is the day that partners and friends congratulate countries. If someone wants to criticise, they always have the opportunity to do so and spare no effort. Using a national holiday to create a negative agenda within the country is definitely not welcome”, the FM said.