Ruling party official rules out EU “ultimatums” on judiciary vetting for Georgia’s integration

Mamuka Mdinaradze, the head of the ruling Georgian Dream party in the Parliament, on Monday said it was “impossible to see ultimatums” being made by the European Union on introduction of foreign vetting of judges in the country’s judiciary as a precondition for Georgia’s accession to the bloc.

Mdinaradze was responding to the proposal by the opposition United National Movement party on introduction of vetting of Georgian judges by foreign embassies, and said the calls were “directly aimed at limiting the independence of domestic judges”.

It is impossible for Europe to set an ultimatum [of a choice between] the sovereignty of the country, the independence of the court [and European integration]. In my opinion, no one can do it. Some statements may be released, but it is impossible to raise such a question”, he said.

“No one should raise the issue with us like ‘give up the independence of the court, otherwise you will face some problems on your way to the European Union’. During decision-making - for example, on the opening of accession talks - such ultimatum-level issues cannot be raised”, the party official added.

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Tuesday said the idea of introducing the vetting “contradicts the Georgian constitution”.

He said the topic of vetting had been “closed” and added the calls contradicted “constitutional and legal principles in general”.