EU integration benefit to citizens, “not only ruling party” - Georgian Dream Executive Secretary

Mamuka Mdinaradze, the Executive Secretary of the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Monday said the country’s European integration, as outlined in its constitution, was a “benefit not only for the ruling team” but also for its citizens.

In comments on the efforts to meet conditions for European Union membership candidate status this year, Mdinaradze alleged the domestic opposition “may not be interested” in the country receiving the candidate status, as the outcome could mean they would “have less potential to harm the ruling team” politically, before adding the public “should urge them that [obtaining the status] is to the country's advantage”.

He also said the "radical" opposition’s work to “prevent” the country from receiving the status “may not prevent the country from doing so, but it surely poses a barrier”, and called on the parties to “forget the negative agenda” against the process.

We should all somehow try to unite [for Georgia’s obtaining the EU membership candidate status]. If the radical wing of the domestic opposition is working against the goal, such attempts may not prevent Georgia from receiving the EU candidacy, but [their actions] are creating obstacles on the path”, Mdinaradze said. 

We should all be able to stand above ourselves and say this is a question on which radicalism, irrelevant opposition, bringing in populism, fighting with PR elements is not a good thing that any Georgian should do. We must all come together to accomplish this goal. It will be a win for everyone”, he added. 

He also urged the public to place the topic of the EU candidacy status as a matter “where engaging in radicalism, irrelevant opposition, introduction of populist issues and use of PR elements is a negative [method]”.