Ruling Georgian Dream party dismisses EU criticisms amid “European democratic backsliding”

The Political Council of the ruling Georgian Dream party on Sunday released a sharp statement addressing a letter signed by 17 European foreign ministers and the High Representative of the European Union.

The joint statement from the 17 European foreign ministers and the EU High Representative urged the Georgian government to “immediately release unjustly detained politicians, journalists, and activists, repeal repressive legislation, and engage in national dialogue with all relevant parties”.

The Political Council of the ruling Georgian Dream party asserted that European democracy was currently in decline, making sanctions and “disinformation-laden letters” unsurprising.

“Today, Europe is experiencing democratic backsliding and a severe value crisis. The majority of European states have lost their sovereignty and are governed by a single hand. Uncontrolled migration, pseudo-liberal propaganda, and the decline of state and religious institutions are rapidly eroding Europe's identity. The refusal to recognise electoral victories of undesirable parties and candidates, the annulment of elections, political persecution of opponents, and total restriction of media freedom have become the norm for Europe today. On this backdrop, neither the absurd resolutions of the European Parliament, nor the disinformation-filled letter from 18 European officials, nor their sanctions and other attacks on the Georgian people surprise anyone”, the statement said.

The Georgian Dream's Political Council expressed full readiness for cooperation with any state, but firmly stated that they would not tolerate any compromise detrimental to the Georgian people in the current struggle.

“We will not attack anyone, but we also cannot promise anyone that we will not defend the country, its sovereignty and identity, and the interests of the Georgian people. We will not allow any compromise in this fight. At the same time, we express our full readiness to cooperate with any state that desires fair cooperation with Georgia. It is important for everyone to realise that just as Georgia needs Europe, the European Union also needs Georgia no less”, the statement noted.