Georgian Parliament Speaker accuses Brussels of “sovietisation” trend

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Thursday said that the “Sovietisation” of Brussels was becoming evident, with contributions from representatives of Eastern Europe.

In his interview with Imedi TV, Papuashvili noted that Brussels was accustomed to lecturing and unaccustomed to criticism, which, he argued, once again shows how detached it is from core European values.

“Regarding the developments of 21 November, we saw what we have long been accustomed to from Brussels. Brussels is used to talking and not used to criticism, which once again demonstrates how detached it is from fundamental European values. This is a pattern of issuing directives, giving instructions, having zero willingness to hear criticism, and zero readiness to allow others to explain themselves. In addition, another trend is visible in the comments we heard - the audacity to speak on behalf of other nations, something they have tried to normalise for some time. Various ministers from different countries have somehow become accustomed to speaking on behalf of the Georgian people. Today it was the French Foreign Minister - a representative of a government with 17% support telling the Georgian Government, which has 54% support, what the Georgian people supposedly want. How would he know? Has he ever even been to Georgia? This is a typical Soviet phenomenon - when Soviet Moscow spoke on behalf of other nations. That is why we say we are seeing the ‘Sovietisation’ of Brussels, in which representatives of Eastern Europe also play a role”, the Speaker said.

He further criticised certain European bureaucrats known for their harsh statements toward the Georgian Government.

“We are seeing that foreign policy has been entrusted to Kaja Kallas - born and raised in a Soviet-era elite family - and European affairs have been entrusted to Ms. Kos, a successful athlete from communist Yugoslavia, who has faced allegations of cooperation with Yugoslavia’s secret service, allegations she has been unable to convincingly refute”, Papuashvili concluded.