Expert Chechelashvili: ‘trust in Georgian Gov’t has run out in Brussels, real actions are needed’

Valeri Chechelashvili, Head of Political Studies at the Georgian Strategic Analysis Centre, on Thursday said European leaders no longer take Georgian officials seriously due to repeated failures and rhetoric about conspiracy theories.

“There was a time when Brussels engaged with Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, but that trust no longer exists. In Brussels and Europe’s capitals, the credit of trust toward him has run out [...] Endless talk of a so-called ‘deep state’ fighting against Europe has only deepened distrust. In Europe, such claims are not even discussed - they are simply seen as laughable”, he stated.

Chechelashvili argued if the authorities were truly implementing the reforms required by the EU, they would present them publicly as proof. Instead, he noted, the Government reduced the original 12-point plan to nine and later to eight points, while failing to meet even one of the requirements.

“This has led to setbacks in human rights, unresolved cases, and violations of the law, pushing Georgia’s cooperation with the EU into a deadlock”, he said.