PM says threats to suspend visa-free travel aim to blackmail Georgians

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday responded to a journalist’s question about the visa-free travel to the EU, stating that for four years, attempts have been made to blackmail the Georgian people, but everyone should see that Georgians will not give in to such threats.

In his remarks, Kobakhidze noted that talks of suspending visa-free travel was just another attempt to intimidate the public.

“For four years, the Georgian people have been subjected to blackmail, but everyone must see that our people will not bow to this. Claims about the possible suspension of visa-free travel are just another effort to blackmail Georgians”, the PM said.

He further stressed that this would be an absolutely counterproductive step and that anyone considering such an unreasonable action would face an appropriate response from the Georgian people.

“Everyone must accept that the Georgian people do not yield to blackmail. It is absolutely wrong to try to intimidate them. So far, the only tangible benefit Georgia has received from the EU is visa-free travel. Some are frustrated that the United National Movement failed to return to power - these are the very people who now bring up such topics and attempt to blackmail our citizens”, Kobakhidze noted.

“They use the same tactics ahead of elections. You may recall that even the EU Ambassador openly pressured our people, calling on voters to turn out in large numbers to remove the current government - he directly urged them to vote against Georgian Dream. This was a blatant interference by the EU Ambassador. That blackmail didn’t work, nothing worked, and yet they persist. This is neither right nor healthy”, the PM concluded.