Pawel Herczynski, the EU Ambassador to Georgia, expressed readiness to collaborate with any government formed after the upcoming elections, emphasizing that such a government must uphold the values outlined in European agreements if it seeks to bring Georgia closer to EU membership.

Herczynski highlighted his hope that the elections will adhere to the highest international and European standards, allowing Georgians to express their opinions freely and democratically. He reiterated his commitment to avoiding perceptions of interference in Georgia’s electoral process, stating that it is ultimately the Georgian people’s decision on their government.

Regarding his previous comments about election banners in Tbilisi, Herczynski clarified that his remarks were made honestly and openly and were not intended to influence media decisions. He underscored the EU’s support for free and independent media, stating that it is the media’s prerogative to choose what content to air.

“If you ask me about what I have said on Friday about banners that are displayed in many places of Tbilisi, I was asked the question about my views and I have shared my views honestly, and openly as I’ll always do talking to Georgians. I, as a European Union ambassador, do my utmost and in all my communications I try to make sure that I can never be accused of interference. I repeat again and again, that the upcoming election is an opportunity for Georgians to express their views. These decisions need to be taken by Georgians themselves. And I sincerely hope that people will go and vote in a free and democratic way, that the elections will be held up to the highest international and European standards, that they will be competitive, that they will be transparent, that they will be inclusive. And, as the European Union, we will wait for OSCE/ODIHR assessment. We will study very carefully the assessment of other long-term observation missions. And of course, we will very carefully listen to local observers.

I can repeat loud and clear that the choice is in the hands of Georgians, on the 26th of October, you yourself will decide what government you want to have in your country. As the European Union, we will respect the democratic choice of the Georgian people, and we will be ready to work with any government that will be formed after the elections. At the same time, in case Georgia wants to become a full member of the European Union, this can happen only on the basis of our core values that are enshrined in the European treaties – freedom, democracy, rule of law, human rights. We will be working with every single government that will be elected. But in case this government will want to bring Georgia into the European Union, those core values will have to be respected,” the Ambassador declared.

“As EU, we are supporting free and independent media in Georgia and in any country of the world. Free, independent media is a prerequisite for a democratic system. It is up to the media to decide what they want, or what they don’t want. What pronouncements they will follow, and what pronouncements they will not follow. It’s not my decision. I was asked by you, by the media to express my views. I have expressed my views. And I stick to what I said, it’s for the independent and free media to decide what rules to follow,” he added.