EU Integration Committee Chair: EP debates reveal ongoing interference in Georgia's election and internal political processes
EU Integration Committee Chair: EP debates reveal ongoing interference in Georgia's election and internal political processes

“In yesterday’s European Parliament debates, we heard what has been evident throughout this time – interference in pre-election processes and interference in internal political processes,” Levan Makhashvili, GD member and chairperson of the EU Integration Committee, has commented on the recent European Parliament debates.

According to Makhashvili, while many positive messages were heard, there were still false accusations and misinformation being spread from the European Parliament’s high tribune, which has happened repeatedly.

“If anyone truly wishes to understand the situation and have an accurate picture of ongoing events in Georgia, they can examine the European Court of Human Rights decisions regarding Georgia. They can look at numerous international indices to see where Georgia stands in terms of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Most importantly, they can review the European Commission’s report published in October and see where Georgia stands on each aspect of its EU integration path,” Makhashvili stated.

He noted that the Georgia discussed in European Parliament debates is often imaginary, while the real Georgia is different.

“The real Georgia is what’s reflected in the Strasbourg Court’s decisions, European Commission conclusions, and numerous U.S. State Department reports. If they wish to continue spreading the same false accusations in a masochistic manner, they can do so. I’m not talking about the European Parliament in general, but about certain MEPs’ short-term political ambitions who hide behind the institution of the European Parliament and others, trying to damage Georgia-EU relations. We have different desires – we look at this process with a long-term strategy and vision. Our only wish is to maintain normal and civilized relations with the EU, including the European Parliament,” Makhashvili declared.

Regarding former President Mikheil Saakashvili, Makhashvili addressed what he called numerous gross lies and disinformation.

“If you ask me whether to believe the Strasbourg Court’s decision or certain MEPs with short-term political ambitions, clearly we place more trust in the Strasbourg Court, which explicitly stated that his rights as a prisoner are protected and there is no basis for his release from imprisonment for any reason,” Makhashvili stated.

He concluded by referencing the October 26, 2024 elections: “Blessed are the believers, they can talk as much as they want. They can ignore the democratic verdict that this country’s population made in the October 26, 2024 elections, but we won’t allow the country to be thrown into chaos because of this.

What we heard in yesterday’s European Parliament debates was clear interference in pre-election and internal political processes. Beyond what we clearly saw on television, including their calls in front of the Georgian Parliament, we heard in yesterday’s debates that they admit they were here, interfering in pre-election and internal political processes. This is an unfortunate reality,” he said.