European Democrats’ Gamkrelidze: It’s demagogue when gov’t accuses opposition of hampering EU integration

The opposition is unable to somehow prevent Georgia’s obtaining EU candidate country status. It is demagogue when the authorities are accusing the opposition of creating obstacles for the country’s EU integration process,”  Secretary General of European Democrats, diplomat Mamuka Gamkrelidze told Front News on Wednesday. 

He suggested that when it comes to the EU, European Council or any foreign structures, “ full responsibility lies on the government.” 

“The only thing the opposition is able to do in the process, is to support it. If Georgia gains the candidate country status, it will mean that the authorities worked properly. If Georgia does not receive the status, it will be a sign that the time has not come for this, or the authorities failed and they should be replaced, or they should change something in their activities,” Gamkrelidze said. 

Georgian PM Irakli Garibashvili said earlier this week that the opposition leaders were requesting MEPs and the representatives of the EU not to support Georgia’s candidate country status. 

The country applied for EU membership in March 2022 and submitted a self-assessment questionnaire earlier this month, with the EU expected to provide its report on the country next month.