Georgian FM defends investigative commission on previous Government’s actions

Maka Botchorishvili, the Georgian Foreign Minister, on Sunday defended the ruling Georgian Dream party's plan to establish a temporary investigative commission in the Parliament to examine actions of the previous United National Movement Government from 2003 to 2012.

Speaking to Imedi TV, Botchorishvili emphasised a “need for a political and legal assessment” of the UNM's tenure and pointed to rulings by the International Court of Human Rights confirming specific illegalities under its rule as a “foundation for this process”.

Georgia must do this. Today, many young people are unaware of the history they are aligning with, standing alongside individuals who served a regime that shot and killed citizens on the streets”, she said. 

The FM also called for “accountability in order to break a vicious cycle” in domestic politics, where she alleged “opposition groups continue to act against the interests of the state”. 

It is unfortunate that we have parties calling themselves opposition but acting against Georgia's interests”, Botchorishvili said, accusing the groups of “perpetuating anti-state activities since 2012”, when the GD came into power.

The official argued that a “comprehensive review of the past” was “crucial for creating a healthier political landscape” in Georgia.

Our future generation needs this”, she asserted, adding that “without addressing the past, the country risks stagnating in a politically toxic environment”.

The Minister also reiterated the Government’s “commitment to democratic development”, presenting the potential commission as a “step toward greater transparency and accountability” in the coming months.

In her comments, the FM also criticised Salome Zourabichvili, the fifth President whose term expired late last year, accusing her of “undermining the country’s democratic development and acting against the state’s interests”.

In response to Zourabichvili's claim that she remains the “sole legitimate leader” in the country due to “rigged” parliamentary elections last year, Botchorishvili dismissed recognitions of her as a legitimate president by the West.

This was part of a certain plan for Zourabichvili to announce one day that she is the only legitimate ruler of this country”, Botchorishvili claimed.

She argued that Zourabichvili’s statements were “baseless and aimed at undermining Georgia’s democratic processes”.

The elections were held, the choice was made, a new president has been elected, and Georgia has a new president. Therefore, her statements are illegitimate”, the FM added. 

She further reiterated her earlier claims that Zourabichvili was following “demands from her foreign patrons”.