Georgia's Vice Speaker Tsilosani accuses EU of using visa liberalization as political blackmail

In an interview with Imedi TV, Georgian Parliament Vice Speaker Nino Tsilosani accused European institutions of using visa liberalization as a form of political pressure against the Georgian people and government.

Tsilosani argued that no external force — including European bureaucrats — can change Georgia’s government against the will of its citizens.

“We have proven that nothing can change the government except the will of the Georgian people. Now they are trying to use blackmail — threatening to restrict our citizens’ freedom of movement in Europe — to influence that will,” she stated.

The Vice Speaker emphasized that Georgia’s government remains open to dialogue with European institutions, but claimed that no such opportunity is being offered.

“We are ready for dialogue. We want to discuss in detail the concerns of our partners — if we can even call those who spread so many lies about Georgia 'partners.' Still, we feel accountable to the institutions themselves. If there are questions regarding human rights, democracy, elections, or any other matter, we are asking for a space to talk — a fair space, not one based on misinformation,” she said.

Tsilosani compared the current treatment of Georgia to a courtroom in which the defendant is denied the right to speak. “As strange as it sounds, even in criminal trials the accused is allowed to present a defense. But in this case, we are being accused without evidence, arguments, or any chance to express our position. I never lived during Soviet times, but from what I’ve heard, there are many unfortunate parallels.”

She concluded by criticizing what she called a “threat” to visa-free travel as a political tool.

“The Georgian people have already defeated previous harmful attempts against our country. I cannot imagine a dignified Georgian agreeing to the idea that visa liberalization is worth sacrificing our national interest. That would be unacceptable,” Tsilosani said.