Whether debates should focus on Georgia’s European course is a matter for individual political parties, said Irakli Kadagishvili, Chairman of the Parliament’s Self-Government Committee. He emphasized that debates exist to discuss any issue relevant to the participants.

“Debates involve a clash of differing opinions. If the European course is raised in any debate format, of course, we will express our position. Some topics should be taboo, such as clear human rights violations or war propaganda, as noted in the interim report of the US Congress, but debates can cover anything relevant and important, where everyone can present their position,” Kadagishvili said.

When asked why debates are necessary on this issue when Article 78 of the Constitution stipulates EU integration, Kadagishvili noted that the Constitution does not prohibit expressing a different opinion.

“We need to read Article 78 correctly. It states that, given our goal, we should do our utmost to achieve it. But neither Article 78 nor any other part of the Constitution says that someone with a different opinion cannot express it or respond. Let’s not confuse the two,” he explained.

Regarding whether a debate should be held if someone supports moving towards Russia, Kadagishvili responded:

“Let’s not fall into ideological clichés. Who said we are moving towards Russia? Where did you read this, or which political leader has said this? Just because one party expresses its opinion doesn’t automatically mean we are shifting our course. Let them present their position in the debates, and I will respond,” he said.

Meanwhile, the ‘United Neutral Georgia’ party issued a statement: “Until we overcome the illusion of European integration, there will be no peace for the country. We are ready to demonstrate, in debates, the harmfulness of the current foreign policy.”