Opposition leader: Georgia’s only obstacle to EU integration is Ivanishvili’s Russian-aligned government

The leader of the opposition United National Movement (UNM), Tina Bokuchava, stated that the only barrier to Georgia’s European integration is the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party founder Bidzina Ivanishvili’s Russian-influenced government, reiterating that Europe’s doors remain open to the country.

“We continue to hear that Europe’s door is open for Georgia, and the sole obstacle to our EU integration is Bidzina Ivanishvili’s Russian-controlled government,” Bokuchava said.

She emphasized that the October 26 elections are an opportunity for the Georgian people to choose European prosperity and reject poverty and isolation.

“These elections are a chance to free President Saakashvili, who is of great concern to many in the European Parliament. The Georgian people must seize the candidate status we’ve earned and begin negotiations with the EU,” Bokuchava added.

Bokuchava and Gigi Tsereteli, one of the leaders of the coalition, attended the political assembly of the European People’s Party in Brussels.