Businessman Temur Chkonia stated that international assessments should be viewed as honest discussions and truthful communication with the people of Georgia, rather than pressure on elections. He emphasized that these assessments reflect political advice and analysis regarding the situation in Georgia.
Chkonia remarked that choosing a path indicated by EU countries does not mean these nations will become enemies or adversaries.
“International evaluation is an open conversation and a truthful statement to the people of Georgia. This is not election pressure; it’s political advice and analysis of what is happening around Georgia, what is supported, and what conditions may allow Georgia to join the EU or participate in financial institutions and other programs that Europe has for Georgia and other countries,” he explained.
He stressed the importance of public choice, urging citizens to make decisions bravely and wisely on October 26, the date of the elections. “We need to free ourselves and choose the path that is acceptable to us,” Chkonia asserted.
This statement comes in light of a recent declaration from the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, which expressed deep concern over the clear signs of democratic backsliding and weakening of human rights in Georgia. The declaration noted increasing societal polarization and the implementation of laws that contradict Council of Europe standards.