UNM MP: Gov’t attempting to claim credit for victory of people in securing EU candidacy

Tina Bokuchava, a Member of Parliament representing the United National Movement, the largest opposition group in the country founded by the currently imprisoned former President Mikheil Saakashvili, said on Friday the government was trying to “claim credit for the victory of the Georgian people in securing European Union candidacy”.

In response to the European Council’s decision on Thursday to grant EU candidacy status to Georgia, the MP expressed, “Congratulations! This is a significant triumph for Georgia and its people. This decision symbolizes the victory of Europe over Russia and the Georgian people over the current government. It is crucial to acknowledge that this success belongs solely to the Georgian people, despite any efforts by the government to claim it as their own.”

She further highlighted the unity of the Georgian people as the driving force behind this victory and asserted that attaining EU candidate status had given them an opportunity to replace the current “pro-Kremlin” authorities. 

“Only then can we enter Europe and become a full-fledged member of the European family,” the MP said.

Bokuchava also underscored the absence of Saakashvili, stating, “The person who should be with us today is Mikheil Saakashvili, the one who first waved the flag of the European Union. It’s evident that Saakashvili’s heart is here with the Georgian people, celebrating this victory. I firmly believe that, alongside Misha and the Georgian people, the United National Movement will soon achieve the final goal, securing victory and paving the way for accelerated negotiations on accession to the EU.”