PM Kobakhidze accuses ‘local agents’ of using visa liberalisation to pressure Georgians

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has accused “local agents" and elements within the European bureaucracy of attempting to pressure the Georgian public through discussions about the possible suspension of the country's visa-free travel regime with the European Union.

Speaking to journalists, Kobakhidze said references to the potential loss of visa liberalisation amounted to indirect threats directed at Georgian citizens.

"When the Georgian people are threatened with the cancellation of visa liberalisation indirectly, through local agents, this reflects the difficult situation that has developed both within the European bureaucracy and within the local agency network," Kobakhidze said.

The prime minister argued that such pressure tactics would not succeed because, in his view, Georgian society has become increasingly aware of the political processes surrounding the country.

According to Kobakhidze, attempts to influence public opinion through what he described as intimidation and blackmail would fail to achieve their intended goals.

"They will not achieve any result through pressure and threats against the people, because Georgian society is sufficiently informed about the processes taking place around our country," he said.

Kobakhidze's comments come amid ongoing debate over Georgia's relations with the European Union and discussions surrounding the country's compliance with conditions linked to the EU's visa liberalisation framework.