Georgian PM: comparison with Moldova “insulting”

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Tuesday objected to a comparison between Georgia and Moldova and called it “insulting”, in response to a statement made on Monday by Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, who highlighted Moldova's “significant progress” towards EU membership despite facing intimidation from Russia, while deeming the situation in Georgia "concerning".

Kobakhidze claimed Georgia was ahead of Moldova “in various aspects”, including the economy and human rights.

Georgia is ahead of Moldova in all parameters, be it human rights, economy, or others. We have increased the economic gap with Moldova by [$] nine billion, which is due to the strength of our institutions compared to Moldova”, he said.

In terms of democracy and human rights, political parties and media outlets have been banned in Moldova, leaving only two remaining media outlets, the first and second channels of the Public Broadcaster. There is no longer political or media pluralism”, Kobakhidze continued.

When they compare [Georgia] to such a country in a negative context, it is like throwing ashes in our eyes. However, it cannot harm our country. The elections will be over, the war in Ukraine will end, and our relations with the EU will definitely restart”, he added.

Borrell also said “actions, statements, and election promises” of the ruling Georgian Dream party were leading the country “away from the European path” and “towards authoritarianism”.

He said as a result the process of the country joining the EU had “in fact been halted”. The official added the upcoming parliamentary elections would serve as a “decisive test for Georgia's democracy and its path to the bloc”.