“In fact, we have removed all leverage from the EU bureaucracy, so they can no longer communicate with us through blackmail. The only remaining option for them is visa liberalization. Consequently, they have also incorporated part of the political decision-making into the visa liberalization process,” said Zviad Shalamberidze, a member of Georgian Dream.

Shalamberidze believes that visa-free travel for Georgian citizens will not be suspended.

“If the burden of responsibility is placed on the government, it is important to note that restrictions on diplomatic passports have already been imposed on government representatives, and this is the resulting response. If the government is responsible for visa-free travel, why should the general population be penalized? The government is chosen by a significant portion of society. While discussing the government’s responsibility, it might seem like a form of punishment; however, I do not view it that way. When we need to visit EU countries for business, we naturally apply for visas—and they issue those visas to us. This allows us to travel without delay. In fact, we have removed any leverage from the EU bureaucracy, making it impossible for them to threaten us with blackmail. The only remaining option for them is visa liberalization. Consequently, they have also incorporated part of the political decision-making into the visa liberalization process,” said Zviad Shalamberidze.