EU Council president calls on all Georgian political parties ‘to put interests of citizens first’

European Council President Charles Michel has called on all political parties in Georgia today ‘to put the interests of citizens first’ following the ruling party’s exit from the EU-mediated agreement.  

The ruling Georgian Dream party has left the April 19 agreement brokered by Charles Michel, noting that it had ‘completed its mission.’ 

Charles Michel stated that he has equally taken note of the ruling Georgian Dream party’s decision to leave the agreement and the opposition United National Movement’s (UNM) continued non-signature.

He underscored that the agreement remains the best way ‘to advance a reform agenda which would strengthen the democratic institutions of Georgia.’

This agreement continues to offer a European way towards building a stronger democracy and rule of law in Georgia in the interest of the Georgian people,” the statement reads. 

European Council president noted that there is no alternative to the ‘in-depth electoral and judicial reforms and free and fair local elections.’

He also stated that he met with Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili yesterday and discussed the current political situation regarding Georgian-EU relations. 

Met yesterday with @Zourabichvili_S to discuss the political situation in ???????? and ???????? relations.

Consultations in #Georgia are starting. 19 April agreement is the best way to advance a reform agenda.

I call on all parties to put citizens' interests first.https://t.co/nYLxNAueKR pic.twitter.com/3AzKEe27Ce

— Charles Michel (@eucopresident) July 29, 2021