Ruling party rejects will of Georgians to join EU, claims watchdog head

Nino Dolidze, the head of the International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED), accused Georgia’s ruling party, Georgian Dream, of abandoning the nation’s aspirations for European integration, a goal supported by most citizens. In a scathing critique, Dolidze described the party’s recent anti-Western rhetoric and decision to delay EU membership talks until at least 2028 as a betrayal of constitutional duties.

“This is a blatant disregard for Georgia’s constitution, which mandates state institutions to actively advance European integration,” Dolidze said, adding, “Georgian Dream has turned its back on the will of the Georgian people to join the European family.”

She pinpointed the Georgian Dream leader Bidzina Ivanishvili’s April address as the turning point, where the party’s anti-European stance became apparent. According to Dolidze, the ruling party’s postponement of EU negotiations signals a broader rejection of the nation’s pro-European path, leaving future efforts uncertain.

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced during a briefing at the Georgian Dream party office that Georgia suspended its EU accession talks until the end of 2028. He described the EU’s approach as a form of political pressure, asserting that “the opening of EU accession talks is being used as a tool to blackmail the country, as was previously the case with the issue of candidate status.”