Ruling party Sec-Gen affirms commitment to controversial bill, asserts EU accession talks

Kakha Kaladze, Secretary-General of the ruling Georgian Dream party, declared on Thursday that despite widespread public protests, the GD would proceed with adopting the controversial foreign transparency bill in its upcoming third and final reading this month. Additionally, Kaladze pledged that the European Union would initiate accession talks with Tbilisi under the current administration.

Addressing reporters, Kaladze stated, “I can reveal that negotiations will indeed commence. Georgia will ascend to full membership in the European Union, not as a subordinate, but as a proud and dignified nation, standing firmly on its own two feet. I want everyone to be aware of this.”

Kaladze went on to attribute the ongoing protests in Tbilisi against the bill, labeled as a “Russian law” by both domestic and international stakeholders, to the “radical faction” within the domestic opposition, purportedly fueled by foreign financing and supported by David Kezerashvili, the former defense minister of Georgia who is currently wanted.

Describing the demonstrations as “violent,” Kaladze highlighted the presence of items not typically available in Georgia. He emphasized, “We will investigate the origins of the attendees and the circumstances of their injuries.”

Kaladze also expressed his personal perspective on Europe, stating, 

 

“To me, Europe embodies values, not merely current bureaucrats. Today they hold office, but tomorrow they may not. For me, Europe represents the values that guide my family’s life. It is my aspiration for the people of my country to live by these same values as we strive to fortify our European ideals and consolidate our position as a robust member state of the European Union.”