Georgian Parliament official: talking about democracy from organisation on verge of civilised abyss “a bit laughable”

Levan Makhashvili, the Chair of the Georgian Parliament’s Committee on European Integration, on Tuesday criticised certain EU remarks on Georgia’s democratic path, calling it “a bit laughable” for an organisation on the verge of a civilised abyss to lecture on democracy.

Makhashvili’s remarks came after Marta Kos, the EU Commissioner for Enlargement, said that in order for Georgia to continue its European accession process, the Georgian Government must change its approaches and agenda.

In his remarks, Makhashvili stressed that Georgia had repeatedly expressed readiness for dialogue with European institutions, but insisted that any discussion must be based on mutual respect rather than pressure.

“Comments from their side have resembled a cat-and-mouse game. We have made several statements regarding dialogue and expressed our willingness. Naturally, such dialogue must be based on mutual respect, not on a policy of pressure. Otherwise, talking about democracy coming from an organisation on the edge of civilisation is a bit laughable”, he said.

The official emphasised that democracy could only be credibly discussed by organisations that uphold its fundamental principles.

“Dialogue and discussions about democracy will only be acceptable from an organisation that, first and foremost, upholds the fundamental principles of democracy itself”, Makhashvili concluded.