Georgian PM: European integration progress “exclusive” credit to ruling party

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Monday claimed the progress achieved by the country on its European integration path was “exclusively” the merit of the ruling Georgian Dream party.

In his remarks over the matter, Garibashvili said neither the Georgian President nor the domestic opposition had “done anything” for the integration process over the last decade.

“I want to appeal to the public and remind you once again: do you remember anyone's concern, indignation, criticism or any protest after hearing the President's statement that the country did not deserve the [EU membership] status [last year]?” Garibashvili said.

In such a difficult geopolitical situation for the entire world, our small country has managed to avoid a second front [of the war in Ukraine being opened in Georgia], war, disaster and destruction with a correct, reasonable policy”, he said in comments.

“We are implementing and will implement all 12 recommendations [for receiving the EU candidate status] - we are doing our best, we have constant communication with our European colleagues”, he continued.

Garibashvili also noted Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, would visit the country this week and noted the Government would provide the European Union official with information on the implementation of the bloc’s conditions for the status.