Ex-Pres Saakashvili pledges EU membership in four years if opposition wins 2024 race

Mikheil Saakashvili, the currently imprisoned former President of Georgia, on Wednesday claimed if the opposition defeated the current Georgian Dream ruling power in the next year’s parliamentary elections, the country would become an EU member state in four years. 

 

During his remote participation in the trial, Saakashvili emphasized the significance of winning the upcoming elections for the country’s future status. He expressed confidence that securing victory in the elections was a “crucial step” towards Georgia becoming a member of the European Union.

 

“The Georgian people must triumph in these elections to avoid being in a humiliated state or the property of one individual [in reference to Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of the Georgian Dream ruling party]. Georgia should belong to its people. Disregard those who suggest that without a certain figure, chaos will ensue. The era of intimidation tactics is over. Instead, a swift movement towards Europe awaits us,” Saakashvili said. 

 

Highlighting the need to “break free” from any hindrances on the path to Europe, Saakashvili assured, “We will not allow anyone to obstruct our progress, and Europe will not permit any abuse of power in Georgia. This marks the dawn of a new era. It is time to clear the roadblock obstructing our journey to Europe. We need to exit the current road and enter the freeway.”

 

Saakashvili, who currently holds Ukrainian citizenship, was arrested on his clandestine return in 2021 and is now serving his six-year-term for abuse of power while in office. Three other cases involving him are still pending.