Opposition must share responsibility over EU obligation implementation and election stance, FM Botchorishvili

Maka Botchorishvili, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, on Wednesday said the opposition must not avoid its share of responsibility in relation to the implementation of the EU “nine steps” in the accession talks framework, arguing that it also concerned parliamentary participation and elections.

Speaking in parliament, Botchorishvili said that when assessing responsibility for fulfilling the obligations, the opposition should also be included in the process.

“In the context of the nine steps, it must be noted that it also concerned opposition involvement in parliament; it referred to elections as well. Therefore, when looking for those responsible for fulfilling the nine steps, the opposition should not escape its share of responsibility,” she said.

The official argued that the opposition’s refusal to recognise the 2024 parliamentary election results and its rejection of democratic processes had contributed to what she described as a narrative within European institutions about “democratic backsliding.”

Botchorishvili referred to a decision by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, saying Georgia was not invited to a 20 October 2025 connectivity ministerial meeting, despite the participation of Central Asian states as well as Azerbaijan, Armenia and Turkey.

She said the absence was linked to perceptions of “democratic backsliding,” which she described as “smile-inducing” and paradoxical.

“It is paradoxical when a country that is currently the key country for the EU in terms of connectivity, especially when we speak about connectivity with Central Asia, is not at the negotiating table,” she added.