Ruling party Sec Gen reaffirms Georgia’s sovereignty amid concerns over EU visa-free suspension

Kakha Kaladze, the Mayor of Tbilisi and Secretary General of the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Thursday responded firmly to concerns regarding the possible suspension of Georgia’s visa-free travel to the European Union, stating that the country's national interests would not and cannot be compromised.

In his remarks, Kaladze questioned the reasoning behind such discussions.

“The question arises: what is the reason for this? What is Georgia doing to warrant the suspension of visa-free travel for Georgians? We know what the real reasons are. Nevertheless, we have clearly and repeatedly stated that Georgia’s national interests will not be surrendered. The Government will continue to ensure peace, security, and economic development in the country”, the ruling party official said.

Kaladze stressed that no external actor had the right to dictate decisions to the Georgian Government.

He further criticised attempts to impose pressure on the country and drew a parallel with Ukraine, suggesting that Georgia would not allow itself to be used to serve the interests of others.

“We remember well the devastation the 2008 war brought to our country”, Kaladze added.

“Our plan is simple: to protect the country’s interests and maintain peace. Despite numerous calls and even a resolution urging us to join [Russian] sanctions, we will not do so - again, based on our national interests. We don’t want to collapse our economy or create further problems. We are not fighting anyone; we are protecting our country and our people”, he noted.

Kaladze concluded by reaffirming Georgia’s readiness for cooperation and partnership, but only on a reciprocal basis.

“Georgia is not anyone’s backyard. It is an independent, sovereign country. Our ancestors shed blood for this independence, and we will not allow it to be undermined”, he concluded.