Georgian President: Georgia must move beyond policy based on dependence on others

Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili on Wednesday criticised what he described as a “radical wing” directed by “specific European bureaucracy”, calling its current position “ridiculous” and questioning where these actors now stand amid shifting Western policies.

In his interview with POSTV channel, Kavelashvili stressed that Georgia must move beyond a policy based on dependence on external actors.

“Everything we have been saying about European bureaucracy is expressed even more strongly by the current US administration, including its President. When they speak about being ‘pro-Western’, what does that even mean? Which West? How do we define it? Whom should we depend on? This policy of dependence must end in Georgia, and it is gradually fading. They can hardly utter a word now. Let someone come out and speak”, he said.

The President further argued that political actors who present themselves as ready to assume power should clarify their stance, noting that while a few activists have voiced criticism on social media, major political parties remain silent regarding differences between European positions and the US administration’s strategic outlook.

“I’m interested whether anyone will dare criticise Trump. Let them answer: do they stand with European bureaucracy, or with the document created by the current ruling US administration? These are not the same. They are different. So what does ‘pro-Western’ even mean? Who labeled them pro-Western forces? This is also a myth - just like the so-called Russian law”, the President concluded.