Georgian opposition condemns potential suspension of EU visa waiver
The opposition leaders remarks came after Donald Tusk announced that Warsaw would push for a reassessment of Georgia’s visa-free travel arrangement with the EU.
Author
Front News Georgia
Senior opposition figures in Georgia have criticised what they describe as the "autocratic regime" of the ruling Georgian Dream party, following statements by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk that Poland will begin lobbying EU member states to suspend visa-free travel for Georgian citizens.
Tina Bokuchava, chairwoman of the opposition party Unity – National Movement, condemned the move, warning that ordinary Georgians risk being penalised for the actions of their government.
"It is unacceptable to punish the Georgian people for the actions of the autocratic regime," Bokuchava said. "When I spoke with Kaja Kallas just a few hours ago, I stressed that the Georgian people should not suffer. This regime has stripped the people of their choice, seized power, and essentially staged a constitutional coup."
Her remarks came after Donald Tusk announced that Warsaw would push for a reassessment of Georgia’s visa-free travel arrangement with the EU, citing concerns over democratic backsliding and the growing rift between the Georgian government and its Western allies.
Anna Tsitlidze, another senior figure within the National Movement, echoed Bokuchava's warnings, placing full blame on the Georgian Dream party and its honorary chairman, billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili.
"Poland has long stood by Georgia in its pursuit of freedom and independence," Tsitlidze said. "The fact that such an important EU member is even discussing suspending visa liberalisation is alarming. This is the result of the Georgian Dream’s foreign policy – a policy that isolates Georgia from Europe and alienates our international partners."
She accused the ruling party of steering Georgia away from its European path, warning that continued estrangement could result in the loss of hard-won benefits, including visa-free travel.
"This criminal gang, which calls itself a government, is dragging the country backwards. If visa liberalisation is suspended, it will be the Georgian people who pay the price – not those in power."
Visa-free travel between Georgia and the EU has been in place since 2017.
