Georgian FM: it is crucial that ongoing developments in Georgia are assessed objectively

Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili on Tuesday highlighted the importance of an objective assessment of ongoing political developments in the country, speaking at a joint press conference with OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen in Tbilisi.

Bochorishvili underlined that all political actors and institutions are obliged to respect citizens’ choices and the democratic institutions elected by them.

“When evaluating ongoing processes, it is extremely important that such assessments are made objectively. As we discuss the need to strengthen democratic institutions, we should not overlook the attacks targeting these very institutions, including the Parliament and the Presidency,” Botchorishvili said.

She stressed that democratic institutions are built through citizens’ participation and free will and protecting their choices is essential to the functioning of democracy.

“I fully agree with my colleague that in a democratic state, the people - the citizens, the voters - play a decisive role. Everyone has an obligation to protect their choice and to respect the democratic institutions elected as a result of that choice,” she noted.

Botchorishvili also warned against tolerating actions that undermine state institutions, stating that the rule of law must apply equally to all.

“In the context of respect, we must also take a clear stance - it is unacceptable for a democratic state to turn a blind eye to attacks against its democratic institutions. In a democracy, the rule of law applies equally to everyone, regardless of who they are,” she said.