“Radical groups have attempted to disguise themselves, but have failed to do so. Visa-free travel remains a tool of political blackmail in their hands,” MP Levan Makhashvili, Chair of the EU Integration Committee, told GPB First Channel.

The radical opposition is pushing for the suspension of visa liberalisation as soon as possible.

“Suspending visa-free travel will have little impact on individual groups, as there is no issue for the Georgian government that could be exploited as a tool for blackmail concerning national interests. The opposition is aware of this but demands the suspension of visa-free travel for the Georgian population. They either fail to realise the implications or are deliberately pursuing this course, risking the country’s interests and the well-being of our people for their own gain.

If anyone is advocating for the suspension of visa-free travel today, it is the opposition. They travel to European capitals and lead campaigns. As we know, there is no consensus on this issue. Many EU countries believe such a move would be unfounded and mistaken. It could open a Pandora’s box, leading to a domino effect affecting other nations. There are no grounds or expectations for a suspension of visa-free travel,” he concluded.