Opposition leader: Georgian Dream must apologize to EU for criticizing ambassador

Elene Khoshtaria, one of the leaders of the opposition coalition For Change, expressed strong support for the EU Ambassador to Georgia, stating that the Georgian people are grateful for the ambassador’s efforts in representing the country’s interests and that the ruling party, Georgian Dream, owes an apology to Georgia’s international partners.

Khoshtaria’s remarks come in response to the recent statement by the European External Action Service (EEAS), which firmly condemned the disinformation and baseless accusations directed at the EU by the Georgian government. On 25 July, the EEAS spokesperson stated:

“The European Union categorically rejects and condemns the disinformation and unfounded accusations made by Georgian authorities regarding the EU's role in Georgia.
We strongly denounce the personal attacks against the EU Ambassador, who enjoys the full confidence and support of the European Union.”

In her statement, Khoshtaria emphasized that the EEAS spokesperson’s words exposed Georgian Dream’s misleading narrative and reaffirmed that the government’s actions do not reflect the will of the Georgian people.

“On behalf of the Coalition for Change, I want to respond to two important recent international developments. First, we are delighted that the NATO multinational exercise ‘Agile Spirit’ is taking place in Georgia, aimed at strengthening security and enabling a rapid response to threats. This exercise is a sign of unwavering support for Georgia’s interests, despite the fact that for the third year in a row, the so-called government has boycotted the event,” said Khoshtaria.

She criticized Georgian officials, including Deputy Defense Minister Irakli Chikovani and the Chief of the General Staff, for not attending the opening of the NATO drills and referred to them as "bureaucrats serving Russia."

“This only underlines that the illegitimate government’s pro-Russian stance cannot stop our partners' support, nor our path toward Euro-Atlantic integration. These exercises go on regardless of their absence,” she said.

Khoshtaria also welcomed the EU’s direct rebuttal of Georgian Dream’s recent claims that visa liberalization could be at risk.

“The EU clearly stated that Georgian Dream is spreading lies reminiscent of Russian-style conspiracy theories. They reaffirmed their commitment to Georgia’s territorial integrity and the European aspirations of the Georgian people,” she noted.

Addressing the recent remarks by Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze, who launched public criticism against the EU Ambassador, Khoshtaria condemned them as offensive and misrepresentative.

“We strongly condemn Kaladze’s insulting statements toward one of our greatest allies – the EU Ambassador. The Georgian people, the vast majority of whom support EU integration, are grateful for his work. Georgian Dream will have to apologize to our partners – that is inevitable,” she added.

Khoshtaria concluded by calling on the EU to remember that the statements and actions of Georgian Dream do not reflect the will of the Georgian people.