Georgia’s ruling party Sec Gen: European bureaucrats’ pressure stems from Georgia’s independent course

Kakha Kaladze, the Mayor of Tbilisi and Secretary General of the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Monday claimed that criticism and pressure from some European officials stem from Georgia’s decision to pursue its own policies independently, arguing that the country remained ahead of many others in terms of reforms and development.

Commenting on Georgia’s EU accession prospects, Kaladze said the debate was driven by political considerations rather than objective assessments of the country's progress.

“Of course, there is a political narrative. No one looks at the progress the country has made, the reforms that have been implemented, or the steps that have been taken forward. How can Moldova or Ukraine be placed ahead of Georgia, even considering the circumstances currently facing those countries? If we take Moldova, there is discussion about unification with Romania. As for Ukraine, we all see the difficult situation there - war and corruption. I do not want to start assessing these countries”, he said.

Kaladze argued that Georgia leads in a number of indicators and has achieved progress through long-term peace and pragmatic policies.

“I can speak at length about our country, about what we have done and what steps have been taken. By every parameter and statistic, Georgia is a leading country. We are ahead of many European countries in terms of economic development and progress. This did not happen by chance. It is the result of long-term peace and the pragmatic policies pursued by the Georgian Dream”, he continued.

He also criticised what he described as blackmail and unfair treatment from some European officials.

“When we hear blackmail, slander and lies from certain European bureaucrats, we know the reason as well – how dare Georgia, a small country, pursue its own policies without asking for their permission. Our policy is aimed at protecting our country, preserving peace, safeguarding our population and every family. Of course, they object to this, how dare we refuse to join sanctions and how dare we avoid opening a second front in the country”, Kaladze said.

He added that the Georgian Government remains ready to resume accession talks with the European Union.

“We have repeatedly stated, including through the Prime Minister, that we are ready for negotiations to open immediately and to begin discussions on enlargement. However, this is simply part of their political agenda - to speak to Georgia in the language of blackmail and pressure because we did not join sanctions and did not involve the country in war. That is their biggest problem and the reason they are fighting against the Georgian state and the Georgian people”, Kaladze concluded.