“Blackmail continues” - Georgia’s ruling party official responds to European Commission report

Levan Machavariani, the First Deputy Chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party faction in the legislative body, on Saturday described the European Commission’s report on the possible suspension of visa-free travel with Georgia as a continuation of long-standing political blackmail.

Commenting on the European Commission’s report that raises the issue of potentially suspending visa-free travel for Georgian citizens, Machavariani said the document contained nothing new and reflected familiar pressure tactics previously used against Georgia.

“There is nothing new here - this is the usual continuation of the blackmail we are accustomed to. Incidentally, this was exactly the motive behind Mr. Irakli Kobakhidze’s briefing in November 2024, when we removed one of the mechanisms of such blackmail, namely the opening or non-opening of negotiations”, he said.

The official argued that visa liberalisation was now the last remaining tool of such pressure, but expressed scepticism that European actors believe suspending visas would lead to political upheaval in Georgia.

“Now, so to speak, this is the last tool of blackmail they have left, and they are following that path. However, as for expectations that positions will be coordinated directly among countries, personally I have less hope for that. Of course, they will not be convinced that suspending visas will trigger a revolution in Georgia, and since they will not be convinced of that, they will not take this step”, Machavariani concluded.