Georgian PM slams European Parliament criticism as “shameful” and “Soviet-style”

Georgian prime minister Irakli Kabakhidze on Tuesday criticised members of the European Parliament, accusing them of attacking both media freedom in Georgia and the Georgian people, calling such actions “self-discrediting and shameful”.

In his remarks, Kobakhidze emphasised that Georgia remains open to dialogue on all issues

“When they attack the Georgian people - and talking about visa liberalisation is nothing other than an attack on the Georgian people - it is also a total disgrace and a shame. It is truly a disgrace and a shame for the European bureaucracy to put itself in this position. When the European Parliament attacks the Georgian people and media freedom in our country, it doesn't even require any further assessment”, the PM said.

“We are ready for an open dialogue regarding all topics; therefore, our position is clear. We are ready for an open dialogue regarding every issue - no matter what the subject may be, including the laws. Since we passed specific laws, such as the transparency legislation, we have managed to achieve peace and stability in the country. Before that, there were five revolution attempts within four years, all of which were supported and financed from the outside. We passed the transparency legislation and the country calmed down. They want to return to the old state of affairs again - it is obvious why they want it: in order to achieve unrest. The European bureaucracy is operating with Soviet-style approaches. To change this approach, we are ready for an open dialogue”, he concluded.