Senior ruling party MP accuses EU of taking ‘revenge position’ toward Georgia

A senior ruling party MP has accused the European Union of shifting to a “revenge position” against Georgia following criticism of the country’s political direction.

Irakli Kadagishvili, chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Regional Policy and Self-Government, on Tuesday said EU attitudes toward Georgia had soured after opposition parties lost the 2024 parliamentary elections.

“Their assessments became unacceptable after they lost the elections. Since then, they have taken a revengeful approach toward Georgia,” Kadagishvili told reporters.

He argued that Brussels should not hold the Georgian government responsible for conducting what he described as transparent and democratic elections or for preventing “revolutionary scenarios”.

Kadagishvili criticised EU rhetoric on visa-free travel, suggesting Brussels had granted visa liberalisation to “the Georgian people” rather than acknowledging the government’s reform efforts. He dismissed concerns that visa-free access could be suspended, saying there was no basis for punitive action.

“They granted visa liberalisation to the Georgian people. So let’s see how they will take it away from the Georgian people,” he said. “Our responsibility cannot be questioned for holding fair elections or ensuring transparency in party financing.”

The MP accused the EU of treating Georgia as “the lowest fence” and warned against expecting the country to act as a “marionette state”.

Kadagishvili also referenced Georgia’s past contributions to NATO missions, saying the country had provided some of the most capable contingents without receiving significant defence support in return.

“Georgia’s strength is in its sovereignty, peace and survival - not in being dragged into someone else’s geopolitical games,” he said.