Ruling party MP criticizes EU over contradictory stance on reforms

Georgian Dream MP and Chairman of the Procedural Issues and Rules Committee, Davit Matikashvili, has accused the European Union of applying double standards when addressing Georgia’s political and legislative processes.

His remarks follow statements by EU High Representative and Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, and EU Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, urging the Georgian government to halt planned legislative changes and wait for the OSCE/ODIHR’s assessment.

Matikashvili pointed out that despite OSCE/ODIHR’s positive evaluation of Georgia’s elections as competitive and conducted with high standards, the EU initially refused to recognize the government. Now, he argues, the same EU officials are demanding that Georgia wait for OSCE/ODIHR’s verdict before enacting new laws.

“They told us we were not the legitimate government, despite OSCE/ODIHR confirming the elections were competitive and well-administered. Back then, their assessment ‘meant nothing’ to the EU. Now, when it suits them, they say we must wait for OSCE/ODIHR’s conclusions before passing laws,” Matikashvili stated in an interview with Post TV.