Ruling party Sec Gen: Georgia seeks partnership, not patronage, from EU

Kakha Kaladze, the Mayor of Tbilisi and Secretary General of the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Wednesday said attacks on Georgia’s internal political affairs, including upcoming local elections, were expected to continue, attributing these actions to the deep state's standard agenda.

In his interview with Imedi TV, Kaladze emphasised that the current pre-election developments in the country were “nothing new”, further pointing out that the deep state would seek to achieve its desired goals using “all methods”.

“These attacks will undoubtedly continue. They will make every effort to interfere in the country’s internal political affairs, including the elections. This is standard practice for the deep state”, the official said.

“This doesn't just happen in our country. Everywhere they get an undesirable outcome, they either abolish a political party altogether or create serious problems for the candidate themselves. Take the example of Romania, take the example of Moldova. In Moldova, there are no opposition TV stations or media at all. Opposition parties have been abolished. The same statements were made in Germany regarding opposition parties. And always the same message: label someone as pro-Russian to discredit them”, Kaladze continued.

He further emphasised that since the Georgian Dream party had come to power in 2012, no actions had been taken that “served Russian interests”.

“Not a single Georgian citizen can name an example where our Government promoted Russian interests. Every decision has been about protecting our country’s interests. This is our commitment to our people and our homeland,” he noted.

Kaladze stressed that Georgia’s independence and cultural heritage “must not be exploited” by larger powers.

He called on the public to appreciate the peace the country currently enjoys, noting that stability has driven both economic growth and public optimism.

“Just look at the scenes from Dinamo Arena [Justin Timberlake’s concert]. It’s no coincidence. Peace brings economic progress and a better public mood. Today, long-term peace has no alternative for Georgia”, the official asserted.

Regarding foreign policy, Kaladze said the Government was open to dialogue, but criticised current EU officials for acting like a “new Politburo”, issuing orders with an expectation of unquestioning obedience.

“Today’s Eurocracy has lost the values the European Union was built on. I still hope that the deep state, as powerful as it is, will be defeated. We want normal relations with everyone - the EU, the US - but not in a way where our country is used as a tool. Friendship must be mutual”, Kaladze concluded.