Georgian PM condemns opposition's EU appeal to suspend integration, aid following elections as “treacherous”

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Monday denounced an appeal by the domestic  opposition to European Union foreign ministers to halt the country’s European integration and suspend financial aid to it following last month’s parliamentary elections, describing it as a “treacherous move against the nation’s interests”.

Speaking at a Government session, the PM accused the opposition of attempting to “undermine Georgia's EU aspirations” through their letter to Brussels following the elections, which they have claimed was rigged. 

Today, the four parties [Unity-National Movement, Strong Georgia, Coalition for Change, For Georgia] - who are essentially one political force [the UNM] - addressed the EU with three demands - suspending Georgia’s European integration process, cutting communication with state authorities, and freezing [€120 million in] financial assistance. This echoes Sergo Orjonikidze’s [Georgian Bolshevik figure] letter to Moscow over a century ago [where he celebrated the Bolshevik flag flying above Tbilisi in 1921 following a Red Army invasion]. But this time, the message is directed at Brussels”, the PM said. 

Kobakhidze argued the opposition’s actions had “exposed their motives”, claiming “they show their true face every day, and the public is taking note. Even the 785,000 people who supported these radical forces will gradually reconsider their choices and align with the country’s real interests”. 

The PM also commended law enforcement agencies for “ensuring stability” amid political tensions and assured citizens of the Government’s “commitment to maintaining safety and pursuing the nation’s peaceful development”.